First is the wonderful news that was shared in yesterday’s congregational email that the session has voted to approve the hiring of Rev. Dr. Joanna Adams to serve as the temporary interim senior pastor beginning March 1. Joanna is someone who already knows St. Simons Presbyterian well having worshipped, preached, and taught here for the past 6+ years. Additionally, her husband, Al, joined SSPC as an affiliate member back in fall 2020. Joanna is a nationally respected leader and preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA) with decades of experience pastoring some of the largest congregations in our denomination. Most importantly though, she has a heart for SSPC and is looking forward to helping support the ministry of the congregation in this brief initial window of time until a longer-term interim is identified. As I mentioned last week, the session remains committed to keeping the congregation well informed as you take each step in this transition season. You can find all the updates that have been shared to-date via email – and all updates that will be shared in the future – on the church Web site at sspres.org/transition. 

As we point ourselves towards the end of the month, I am also very excited to share with you that we will receiving new members on Sunday, February 27. What a blessing and encouraging sign it is that a group of people are raising their hands to say that they would like to join the church even as we prepare to enter a new chapter. We already have a good group that is forming to join that Sunday but please know that it is not too late to add your name. If you or anyone you know who might be interested in formally joining the church please reach out by phone or email in the coming days. We would love to welcome you!

Last, but certainly not least, is an opportunity for us to join together in prayer. Several people have volunteered to help facilitate a weekly prayer space every Wednesday evening and Friday morning/afternoon where anyone is welcome to come and sit and lift our pastors, staff, and congregation in guided prayer. The prayer spaces will be open every Wednesday from 6:30-7:15P in the Upper Room and every Friday from 11A-1P in the Sanctuary. Setting aside intentional time for prayer in this season of change is an important reminder that though we do not know exactly what is ahead we can walk forward in faith knowing that God goes with us in it all.

Date: February 27

Time: 11:45 am

Meal: Potluck - the church will provide chicken

Part of the perks of being Artistic Director or a board member of Island Concert Association is making musical connections all over the world. You hear about conditions everywhere as far as job situations for musicians, performance opportunities (or the lack of), and upcoming festivals and performances. Having been a New Yorker for a while, Laetitia Ruccolo has moved to Germany and is working there and across Europe. She is originally from France and her parents live just over the border. Liana Guberman, a lifelong New Yorker, has relocated to Florida with her husband. Liana replaces the mezzo soprano Kirsten Scott, who had to cancel due to an upcoming important gig with a German opera house that forbid her to travel ahead of performance. For next week, we have two substitutes – the pianist Yoonie Han could not get out of Hong Kong and the cellist couldn’t get his schedule to work out. Thankfully, Reggie Bahl, our agent from Manhattan Music Ensemble, was able to deliver. When you read the bios of these performers, you will know that we always strive for high quality. The last concert of our season features the Gloriosa Trio – Eric Silberger, Violin; Daniel Lelchuk, Cello; and Kwan Yi, Piano. Many, many thanks to all of those that contributed to membership in ICA. If you didn’t join this year, it’s not too late. We have had more expenses this year and any amount will help. A single membership is $50 - $12.50 per concert! Thank you also to those who invited friends and neighbors to attend. Live Stream has been available all season, so don’t miss it. You can still go online for a while to see these concerts and binge them all at once.

The Chancel Choir will offer To Love Our God by Mark Hayes on Sunday morning. It’s an anthem that the choir really enjoys singing. Some of the words……

“To Love our God, the reason we live, to love our God, the highest call,

Nothing satisfies our soul, gives life meaning, makes us whole.

For this purpose we were made to love our God.“

Hymns are: 65 Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah and 697 Take My Life and Let it Be

The Introit is Sometimes a Light Surprises – Hymn 800 – Verse 1

         Sometimes a light surprises the child of God who sings;

         It is the Lord who rises with healing in his wings;

         When comforts are declining, he grants the soul again

         A season of clear shining to cheer it after rain.

Read the other verses for comfort in this time of transition. More about that next week!

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda

Artist Website: www.facebook.com/gloriosatrio

Sunday, February 20

8:30 am Early Worship - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Traditional Worship - Sanctuary

2:00 pm Luke Hutto Funeral Service - Sanctuary

5:00 pm Youth Gathering - Youth Suite

Monday, February 21

5:30 pm Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, February 22

7:00 am Youth Chick-fil-a Breakfast - SSI Chick-fil-A

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

7:00 pm Island Concert Performance - Sanctuary

Wednesday, February 23

10:00 am Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

10:00 am Men's Bible Study - Upper Room

1:30pm Hands and Heart Quilting Ministry - Music Attic

4:00 pm KidZ Crew - Veranda

6:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper - Social Hall

6:30pm Transition Prayer Time - Upper Room

6:30 pm Chancel Ringers - Sanctuary

7:30 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, February 24

10:00am Grief Group - John Law

10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room

Friday, February 25

11:00 am Transition Prayer Time - Sanctuary

6:00 pm TGIF - Andrew & Becca Turner's Home

Members of our congregation who could use a meal this week include: Ashley and Sutton Biletzskov.

Contact Jackie Griffin for assistance: jpol1954@yahoo.com