|
A NOTE FROM NATHAN
“Is this helpful?” “Is this possible?” Those are the two questions I asked of each small group that met this summer while studying Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton’s book, A House United: How the Church Can Save the World.
After all, Hilton’s book is ambitious. It proposes that the only body that can change the divisive culture in which we live today is the Church. It assumes that we, following Jesus’ call to be the one body of Christ, can model for the world how our differences can draw us closer to one another. Hilton believes that the Church, with God’s help, is the only hope for the world.
Given his lofty aspirations, I expected the answers to my questions to be mixed. And, certainly, some are more convinced than others. However, overall, the sentiment was unanimous: “Yes, this is helpful.” Yes, this is possible.” “This is what the Church is supposed to be!”
Jesus says, in John 17:20-23, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Jesus prays that we might be ONE. This doesn’t mean that we are called to be the same. In fact, God creates each of us uniquely. God’s creation is intentionally diverse. No, Jesus calls us to be unified, in our diversity. We are called to see our difference as a gift, not a curse. We are called to recognize that our differences strengthen, not weaken us. We are called to see those who think, act and believe differently as our neighbors, not as our enemies. We are called to see how our differences can draw us together, not tear us apart.
That is the spirit of our House United Weekend, this weekend, with Dr. Hilton. Whether you are able to participate or not, I hope you will be in prayer for Sandy Springs Christian Church as we continue to strive to live into our Vision, “To be an open and affirming congregation that models courageous conversation, extends bold welcome, and serves our neighbor.” It’s not easy work, but it is the work God calls us to, as the Church.
I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday!
Peace,
Nathan
| |
|
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION DEADLINE
If you have something for publishing in the newsletter next week, please submit it via email to: amy@sandyspringscc.org
by noon on Thursdays.
| |
|
Sunday, August 28, 2022
How Love Grows
1 Corinthians 13.1-13 NRSV
Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton
Sunday's message will envision how loving each other across our ideological differences is a big piece of being an agape people in our time — and how being able to do that shows us that we actually really truly love one another. Analogies will include marriage and friendship, where we only learn what unconditional love is when we run into the parts of our partner/friend that are hardest for us.
| |
|
Sunday, September 3, 2022
Philemon...Why Not Onesimus?
Philemon 1:1-21
Bryant Gibson
| | |
|
|
A HOUSE UNITED WEEKEND
This weekend, August 27th and 28th Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton returns to SSCC. Saturday there will be a social hour and BBQ for those who participated in the book study. Sunday there will be a Lunch and Learning in the Whitmire Pavilion for the entire congregation, immediately following service, which will be led by Rev. Dr. Hilton. Thank you to all who signed up, see you there
| |
|
|
SEPTEMBER INTERNATIONAL DINING
Hi International Dining Friends. Please pardon me for usurping Milt's usual role as International Dining organizer.
The September Dining Event will include a special celebration of Milt's birthday, at one of his international favorites, Emidio's Portuguese restaurant, 8610 Roswell Rd. #950, Sandy Springs, on Sunday, September 4th at 6 p.m.
Our family thought he would enjoy nothing more than to celebrate with you. Please no gifts--you will cover your own meal expense as usual and that is more than enough. As part of his gift, I am organizing this event (even though I am borrowing his list); therefore please text me at 770-926-0131 or email janishill@comcast.net no later than August 31st to confirm your attendance. Reservations are necessary. We sincerely hope to see you there.
| |
|
SSCC ALL-CHURCH WORK DAY
All hands on deck! We are planning a work day at SSCC on Saturday, September 10th starting at a light continental breakfast at 8:30 am. We will be doing some grounds work, organizing, and also cleaning the kitchen. More details to come.
| |
|
REMEMBERING BUNNY STEINMETZ
Arrangements for Bunny Steinmetz have now been finalized. A memorial service will take place at Sandy Springs Christian Church on Saturday, September 10th at 2:00 pm. A reception will immediately follow the service, in the Centrum, hosted by the family and the Care and Connect team.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions be made in Bunny's memory to Sandy Springs Christian Church. For more information, click on the link below to read Bunny's obituary. Please continue to keep the Steinmetz and McCluskey families in your prayers during this time.
| |
|
DISCIPLES WOMEN'S RETREAT
Deadline is September 9th! Georgia Disciples Women are invited to gather in person for a fall retreat on September 23-25, 2022 at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA. In thissan beautiful seaside retreat setting, Disciples women will gather for fellowship, worship, learning, and service, guided by the theme “Let’s Fish or Cut Bait!” Keynoter Rev. Nancy Oliver will lead us through a creative exploration of the focus scriptures, Matthew 4:18-20 and John 21:1-14. Jesus called us to fish — for people! You will not want to miss these fishing lessons! Learn more and register here.
| |
|
CALLING ALL KEY FOBS!
If you or anyone in your family has a key fob to the building, we are asking that if you don't use it on a regular basis, or are not a group leader, please return it to the church office. We would greatly appreciate it.
| |
OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY!
- With rising food and fuel costs many families and individuals are struggling to make ends meet. Supplies are running low on food pantry shelves. Please bring items listed below for food collection barrels in the church lobby. No glass, please! Urgently needed: Pasta, Sauces, Dry Grains (Beans, Lentils and Rice), Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna and Chicken, Baby Food and Diapers sizes 0, 1, 5, 6.
| |
|
CAC Needs Volunteers
If you have computer skills, office experience or just want to help, volunteers are needed in the Career Center; as client interviewers; Food Pantry volunteers and Upscale Thrift volunteers. Find more here: CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!
| |
|
CONGRATULATIONS!
It is with great joy that we would like to introduce you to the DOC's newly ordained, Rev. Teddy Ivey.
Last Sunday, surrounded by family, friends and members, Teddy was ordained in our sanctuary. We certainly are proud of him and wish him a successful future.
| |
|
CHILD DEDICATION
Last Sunday we held a child dedication for Hank Brooks Filacchione. Proud parents are Caroline and Tyler, grandparents are Scott and Chris Dalton and Patrick and Gail Fliacchione. Big sister Francie was on hand to give him a few pointers.
| |
|
NEW MEMBER!
We would like everyone to meet Mike Bradford. He joined SSCC on July 24, 2022, by a transfer of membership from First Christian Church Marietta. Please give him a warm SSCC welcome the next time you see him.
| |
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES | |
|
UPDATE!
This week's lesson about the Prodigal Son parable will be led by Jeff Moore. He has a special lesson prepared that will incorporate the two other parables in Luke 15, which are intertwined in their meaning and importance.
| |
|
CURRENT STUDY
Join the Pathfinders in Common Ground at 9:00 am. They are currently discussing the book, "How to Read the Bible" by Rob Bell.
| |
PRAYER REQUESTS AND A THANK YOU | |
|
Please pray for the McGahee family on the passing of Monica's dad, Magne Nygren, yesterday morning.
Please pray for Anita Taff's dear friend Jimbo. He has been successfully treating stage 4 colon cancer for 3 years. Immunotherapy is no longer controlling the growth and he is experiencing intense side effects from the new treatment.
David McGahee requests prayers for their neighbor and friend, Chuck Chapman. They ask prayers for healing for Chuck as well as prayers for his family.
Continued prayers for Jeff Moore's sister, Amy Nesbit, and brother-in-law, Scott.
"Sending heartfelt thanks. After hearing from so many of our church family in celebration of our 75th wedding anniversary and Les's 99th birthday. God bless you all!" ~ Jo Ann and Les Baright
Prayers are requested for our members and their families who serve as first responders or health care workers: Katie Gibson, Tracey McCluskey, Dr. Vijay Rathinam, and Robyn Hicks. Also those serving in the military: 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), and Linda Whitmire's grand-daughter, Hayleigh Whitmire (Army). 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 joys to share, please contact Rev. Teddy Ivey, Director of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
| |
|
Courtney Strickland August 28
Jay Donnelly August 30
Lisa Berger-Gilmore August 25 Maggie Driemeyer August 26
Milton Hill September 04
Asher Rathinam September 04
Ben Gibson September 08
Trenton Brown September 09
Floy Mills September 09
Kenneth Strahm September 09
Megan Kahrs September 10
John Robeck September 10
| |
|
Victoria Smith September 10
Janet Howell September 13
Kelley Rathinam September 13
Tim Dyke September 15
Kate Lee September 21
Katherine Gibson September 22 Madelyn Rathinam September 25 Jenna Hicks September 26
Beverly Mitchell September 26
Teresa Bensch September 27
Becky Chimera September 29
Sid Elliott September 29
Marilyn Torbert September 29
| | | | |
