A NOTE FROM NATHAN
Recently, I’ve made it a spiritual practice to try and be better about counting my blessings. It’s not difficult. It just takes some intentionality, carving out time each day to acknowledge the small gifts of life. With a little practice, it doesn’t take long before you notice that, despite spending most of our time worried about scarcity, the truth is, we all live in abundance.
For instance, as I write this article, I’m sitting in my office looking out the window at a beautiful autumn day. I’m grateful. I’m listening to children come and go from The Day School, their cries, their laughs, their screams – all evidence of life in our church building. I’m grateful. I’m looking forward to going home, seeing my children after school and hearing about their day. I’m grateful. When I walk in the door, the first creature to greet me, and be most excited to see me, will be our new dog, Scooby. I’m grateful. Tonight, Marion and I will play a mixed doubles tennis match, something we have recently taken up for fun. I’m grateful.
Tomorrow I will continue work on the sermon, as part of a series that is bringing me, and (I hope others) some laughter and joy. I’m grateful. This weekend, I plan to spend time with some neighbors, who have recently moved into the neighborhood and whom we have befriended. I’m grateful. This weekend, I’ll attend our kid’s activities, we will visit a local farm and plan to pick pumpkins from the pumpkin patch. I’m grateful. Sunday morning, I’ll start a new, fun-filled Sunday School class and then worship with all of you, my friends here at SSCC. I’m grateful.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The more time I spend practicing gratitude, the deeper I am immersed in the gifts of life, all the way down to the air I breathe, the life I have been given and the ability to live that life, every morning I awake.
We are in the harvest season, the time of year during which we traditionally offer thanks for our bounty. I hope after the time we have been through, and continue to endure, that we are even more in-tune with the many blessings of life, all of which have been given to us by the Divine. We worship a God who has showered us with generosity, gifted us with an abundance and surrounded us with unconditional love.
I encourage you to take a moment, today, and every day, to count your blessings. I suspect, like me, no matter what you are going through, you’ll find there are more than you even imagined. I’m grateful.
Hope to see you Sunday.
Peace,
Nathan
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Divine Comedy
A Sermon Series
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy…
Psalm 126:2
We all need a good laugh from time to time, especially these days. After all, humor has a way of cutting the tension and bringing people together. You might say laughter has the power to bind us together. Scripture certainly reinforces this idea. In fact, comic relief is found throughout the Bible. In characters who laugh, stories meant to delight and proverbs that make you giggle, comedy is depicted as a gift from the Divine. During the month of October, let’s come together in worship and, as the Psalmist says, “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy!” (Psalm 47:1)
October 17, 2021
Find Your Voice
Genesis 18:1-15
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
October 24, 2021
Share Your Truth
Galatians 3:23-29
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
October 31, 2021
Timing is Everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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To view the service this Sunday on our YouTube page, click here.
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As you probably gained from Sunday's sermon, Pastor Nathan needs some better jokes! As part of the Divine Comedy sermon series, he would like to include some of yours. Please send Pastor Nathan your best (clean) jokes by email to Nathan@sandyspringscc.org. Don't worry, he promises to give you credit, as long as you want it. Thanks in advance for sharing your humor. He looks forward to sharing in a few good laughs with you!
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STEWARDSHIP REMINDER
Stewardship packets were distributed last Sunday, following worship and mailed out early last week. Please remember to return your Estimate of Giving cards to the church before Sunday, October 31st, when we will bless and dedicate them during the service.
If you'd prefer fill one out electronically, click on the button below.
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TALENT SHOW - POSTPONED
The Talent Show planned for this Saturday, October 16th, has been postponed.
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COMMUNITY SUNDAY SCHOOL
This Sunday, October 17th, Pastor Nathan we will begin a three-week Community Wide Sunday School in Dunlap Hall.
We will theologically reflect on some of the monsters that show up in the Bible and how they are related to the ones we see this time of year. Perhaps we will learn a little something about ourselves and how we treat one another along the way. Come enjoy this fun, light-hearted study with your SSCC friends. Who knows? You might even get some treats for your participation!
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MEN'S GROUP RESUMING SOON!
The Friday Morning Men's Group will resume meeting weekly at 7:00 am beginning October 22nd.
Milt Hill will be providing breakfast for the first week, then others can sign up for future weeks. If you have questions or are interested in attending, please reach out to Milt at milthill@comcast.net.
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SSCC's 13th ANNUAL TRUNK-N-TREAT (Includes a Service Project)
Get your trunks ready!
We will have our 13th annual Trunk n Treat event directly after worship on Sunday, Halloween Day, October 31st from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm. Have your kids wear their Halloween costumes to church that morning!
After worship, we will have a service project in Dunlap Hall for kids and adults to participate, as well as snacks, drinks and some time for fellowship. During this time, we invite those of you who will be decorating and setting up your trunks to do so.
The children will head to the parking lot after the service project (around noon) to Trunk n Treat!
We need trunkers though! If you would like to volunteer to provide a trunk, you can email Bryant at youth@sandyspringscc.org, or sign up at the church anytime.
We hope you'll make plans to join us for a wonderful day of service, fun and fellowship!
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CAC CANNED FOOD DRIVE & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Thank you Sandy Springs Christian Church! We have already filled two large barrels and the CAC has come by to pick them up! But don't let that stop you!
Please continue to donate! Standard sized items are preferred as large, economy sized items are not easy to distribute or pack. Expired items cannot be distributed.
These are the most needed food items: canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon, ham, etc.), boxed and canned meals, canned fruit and vegetables, coffee, small bottles of cooking oil, meat entrees like chili or stew, pasta and pasta sauce, dried beans, ramen noodles, soup and rice, snacks (cookies and crackers).
Toiletries: Diapers (all sizes), deodorant, disposable razors, feminine products, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and toilet paper.
VOLUNTEER: The CAC is always in need of volunteers to work at the Thrift Store and Food Pantry. To volunteer contact Debbie at debbie.olson@ourcac.org. If you are interested in working at the Dunwoody location for Client interviewing or teaching ESOL, please contact Nolan at nolanfeintuch@ourcac.org.
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CAC CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: The CAC has exciting plans in the works! Be on the lookout for more information regarding some fun & quick mini projects as well as upcoming holiday projects. CLICK HERE for more information.
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MUST MINISTRIES TOY DRIVE
MUST Ministries is holding their annual toy drive. They are seeking new, unwrapped toys (ages 6 mo. to 18 yrs of age) to distribute for Christmas. We will be collecting UNWRAPPED toys starting November 1st through November 21st.
All you have to do is bring the new, unwrapped toys to church and place them in the bins. We will take the gifts to MUST Ministries on your behalf.
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In addition, MUST is always in need of food, clothing and hygiene products. Their most pressing hygiene product needs are travel-size shampoo and conditioner bottles. We have a bin in our Lobby near the Outreach board for you to drop off items.
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EXCITING COMMUNITY EVENT HOSTED HERE AT SSCC! |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Joan and Ken Owen transferred their membership last Sunday, October 10th, to SSCC.
Ken and Joan have been married 54 years. They have 3 children - a son and 2 daughters. They have 3 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, 1 great-granddaughter and 1 great-grandson. They both grew up in southern Kentucky but moved to Nashville, TN shortly after they married for 47 years. Ken was an executive with a country music publisher and Joan managed physician practices.
Their family is spread out across the country - California, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. Having both retired, in 2013 they moved to Sharpsburg, GA to be near their oldest daughter and her family.
They were making a lot of car trips to TN/KY, so in 2020 (pre-COVID), they decided to move to north Atlanta area to make the drives shorter. Their daughter decided to make the move as well. They sold their house almost immediately and found their perfect home in Sandy Springs. It took Ken and Joan a little longer, but in December they got lucky (or it was simply God’s plan all along). They were able to buy the house across the street from their daughter before it went on the open market.
As far as how they made their way to SSCC, it was as simple as a Google search. They were looking for a Christian Church in the area. They visited and they liked it and attended for 6 months and joined last Sunday.
A warm Sandy Springs Christian Church welcome to the Owens!
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BOOK SIGNING AT SSCC
World-renowned, all around great guy and published author, Art Edwards, held his book-signing for "Puzzle Pieces: Patterns in the Chaos" at SSCC this past Wednesday.
Many folks showed up in support and received their signed copies. It was nice to see everyone who came out to get their copy.
There are designated copies for those who ordered but could not pick up today sitting on the welcome desk. You can retrieve those books at your earliest convenience.
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CAC's VINTAGE AFFAIR RAFFLE
Enter the Vintage Affair: Under the Tuscan Sun raffle for your chance to win a fabulous trip to either Italy or California wine country! Winner chooses either an unforgettable Florence experience - 6 Nights in Florence or NAPA Valley Wine Train, 3-night resort stay with airfare for 2!
The raffle is part of the Community Assistance Center's annual benefit event, the Vintage Affair. Only 2,000 raffle tickets will be sold so winning chances are high! Drawing is October 23 at the Vintage Affair. Winners need not be present. Plus, raffle ticket holders can participate in the Vintage Affair Silent and Live Auctions via mobile bidding! Vintage Affair is CAC's largest annual benefit. Proceeds directly support programs to prevent homelessness and hunger and promote self-sufficiency in our community. Tickets are $50 each or 5 for $200.
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RECONCILIATION MINISTRY SPECIAL OFFERING
We believe that the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) is uniquely equipped to encourage racial equity and justice in the communities where we worship and serve. We will be taking up a special offering on October 17th. Your gifts to Reconciliation Ministry promote our mission of creating a just and loving society.
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PLEASE LOG IN AND UPDATE YOUR PROFILE!
If you have any questions regarding Breeze from signing up to using any features, please don't hesitate to call Amy at the church office, 404.256.2582.
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SSCC YOUTH
You can click on the button below to view our schedule for the Fall. If you'd like to make dinner for the youth group, we'd love to have you! Reach out to Bryant at youth@sandyspringscc.org for more details and to sign up!
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NEWSLETTER "NEWS"
SSCC's "This Week" newsletter will go out via email on Friday mornings. With all of the planning and preparation for Sunday that the staff and volunteers do on Thursdays, this will just give them some extra time that day.
If you have anything that needs to be put in the newsletter, or if you need to update an article, you will now have until noon on Thursdays to submit it. If you have any questions, or have something to submit, please email amy@sandyspringscc.org.
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ONLY TWO DATES LEFT!
First of all, thank you to all who have and who will be Worship Leader in Services on Sundays. We really feel this is bringing consistency to our service.
We only have two dates left to fill through the end of the year. They are November 7 and November 21.
The worship leader leads a call to worship, reads scripture, offers the call to giving and welcomes visitors each week. All the words are provided for you, so there is nothing to prepare, unless you want to add a personal touch of your own. We just need individuals willing to serve as worship leaders each week.
If you'd like to sign up for one or both of those dates, please click on the link below. You may sign up for a maximum of two Sundays, for now. Those who enjoy leading communion, offering pastoral prayers and preaching will continue to be recruited as they have been. If you have any questions, please reach out to the chair of Worship, Arts and Education, Stuart Michels, or Pastor Nathan.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
Prayers for Barbara Duren's daughter, Beth McCartha who was hospitalized after a heart attack, but came home Wednesday.
Kathy Gregory (The Day School Director) says, "Please say a prayer for my sweet mom, Christie Kraebel, - pray for relief and wisdom as we choose our next path for her future."
Prayers for the Leslie Family. Ferris called to let us know that Rev. Herb's eldest son of his five children, Stephen Leslie, passed away yesterday morning after a week-long battle with COVID. There will be a service in Ohio and if you have any questions, please reach out to Ferris Leslie.
Laura Prescott requests prayers for her nephew, Ryan Chiang. Her sister has not provided details as to why he needs prayers, just that he does.
Please continue to pray for Larri Wolf's mother, Linda Leininger. She is home but still has several hurdles to overcome.
Please pray for Nancy Trusty's sister-in-law, Joan Trusty Moore. She recently found out she has a recurrence of her breast cancer that requires surgery.
The McCahrens request prayers for Kim Moore so she can get on a liver transplant list.
Prayers are requested for our members and their families who serve as first responders and health care workers: Katie Gibson, Tracey McCluskey, Dr. Vijay Rathinam, Robyn Hicks and Pete French. Also those serving in the military: Michelle Brown (Navy), daughter 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), Dalton Brown (Army) and Caleb (Marines), granddaughter, grandson and great grandson of Barb Duren. Chaplain Kevin Mooney (Navy), Linda Whitmire's grand-daughter, Hayleigh Whitmire (Army) and Kathy Woodworth's step grandson Parker Mansel (Marines). If we are missing someone, please let us know so that we can include their name in our weekly prayers.
If you have any prayer requests or would like to reach out to Teddy Ivey, our Director of Congregational Care, please email him at Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
JOIN SSCC!
You can join SSCC by a simple affirmation of faith! If you are attending virtually, just let us know you would like to join!
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PATHFINDERS CLASS and MODERN DISCIPLES
The adult Sunday School Classes will be joining Rev. Dr. Nathan Brown in Dunlap Hall for his Community Sunday School called "God and Monsters" for the next three Sundays.
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KID'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
Every Sunday at 9:00 am, kids age Preschool - 2nd grade will meet in the Leslie Classroom upstairs. Kids ages 3rd through 5th grade will meet downstairs in room 120.
They follow the "Whirl" curriculum which includes games, lessons, arts and crafts and Bible study. The kids will have fun and learn all at the same time.
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Matt McKinney October 16
Becky Kelly October 17
Dawna Abel October 21
Lilian (Lily) Grace Norman October 21
Merilyn Dimmitt October 23
Vijay Rathinam October 23
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Sally Tutterow October 24
Paul Kapphahn October 25
Cindy Brown October 26
Alice Saunders October 26
Chris Dalton October 27
Bert Blackburn October 31
Linda Davis-Rolen October 31
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