SSPC Happenings - August 26, 2021

August 26, 2021

Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Earlier this week I was up in Highlands, NC with a group of pastors from across the country who are part of the Zick Preaching Scholars Program. We were blessed to be led at this retreat by Dr. Craig Barnes who is the president of Princeton Theological Seminary. Craig opened his time with us on Tuesday morning by noting that one of the most frequent questions many pastors are hearing these days is, “What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?” Most people who ask that question, he observed, expect a response about technology and programming. “But perhaps the better response,” he said, “is that we are learning what it means to have faith in the faithfulness of God.”

It goes without saying that this is a tiring and stressful time for us all. And yet, personally, I continue to be inspired by the myriad ways our church family has and continues to reveal God’s faithfulness to one another as well as our neighbors here in Glynn County. From a COVID-19 Relief Fund to outdoor movie and music nights to drive through blessing of the backpacks to quilts and care packages to phone calls and handwritten notes, our ministry together throughout these challenging times is an embodiment of our faith in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Each act of love, compassion, and generosity – no matter how big or small – is a testament to our shared Christian conviction that God is with us in both the good and in the challenging.

And now we are entering a new chapter. With the Glynn County School System going to a virtual only format for at least the next two weeks, we are working to find ways to make sure our church and preschool staff who are parents are supported. Additionally, we are continuing to assess and reassess which programming and other activities are safe to do and which need to be paused until the public health situation begins to improve again. So flexibility is going to be the name of the game for the next few weeks around church. Please know too that it may be a little harder at times to get ahold of certain staff members in the office as they juggle family and work. Your grace is much appreciated!

Beyond the physical walls of the church, we are also aware that there are so many in our church and community who are acutely feeling the daily reality of COVID either because they or a loved one are sick, they are a parent with a child or children now at home, or because they work in the areas of healthcare, education, or other first responder roles. As a church, we are striving to find ways we can take a leadership role in “loving our neighbor.” To that end, there are two opportunities I want to make sure you know about:

First, if you or your family would like to support our local healthcare providers, the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce has provided information on how to drop off donations of food and snacks for the staff in our local hospital system. Details can be found below.
Second, we are planning on offering Popsicles and Prayer every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on the front driveway of the church from 3:30-4:30P for the next two weeks. The idea of this ministry is to provide a safe and simple way for parents and children to get out of the house for some fresh air and a sweet treat after a day of doing school at home. Any and all are welcome!

And last but not least, this year’s Officer Nominating Committee is beginning their work of discerning nominees to serve in leadership of our church as elders, deacons, and trustee. You can click the link in the newsletter below to learn more about the different officer roles and to submit name(s) of individuals you believe the nominating committee should consider in their discernment process.*

See you at church. Invite a friend. Casual is fine.

Peace,

Rev. Alan Dyer

Pastor

*Please remember that nominating an individual does not mean that they will automatically become a church officer. The officer nominating committee will include all submitted names in their discernment process as they go about selecting the final slate of nominees who will be presented for congregational approval.

Healthcare Worker Food Donation Information

Upcoming Event

KidZ Crew & Youth

CLICK HERE FOR YOUTH CALENDAR ~August - December 2021~

Church Officer Nominations

One responsibility of membership in the church is the election of lay members to serve as church officers who are ordained to fulfill particular functions within the congregation. The existence of these offices in no way diminishes the importance of the commitment of all members to the total ministry of the church.

You can learn more about each of the church officer roles (deacons, elders, and trustees) by clicking the link below as well as submit a name(s) of individuals you believe the Nominating Committee should consider. Please note that nominating an individual does not mean that they will automatically become a church officer. Rather, the Nominating Committee will include all submitted names in their discernment process as they go about selecting the final slate of nominees who will be presented for congregational approval.

Click Here for More Information

Sunday Worship

August 22, 2021

Musical Notes

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the constant barrage of world news, I saw somewhere that you could make your own headlines for your “personal” newspaper. Here are a few – “Six deer spotted in the backyard”; “The sunset was beautiful”; “Mother’s children call today”; “Dad is awesome!” That isn’t to say that we should ignore world news – our prayers are needed for the tragic and catastrophic events that happen every day. I’ve selected the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” for this Sunday. Read the words carefully for a how-to guide……..

“….. in His arms He’ll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.”

I had some really great plans for the chancel choir and other groups providing music for our worship services, however, I have had to postpone these due to concerns over health and safety. We hope to return to the loft by September 12th, so please be in prayer for those that serve by singing or playing instruments.

In other news, the Steinway B Grand Piano has returned from the workshop. The cabinet looks like new again and it has a “piano truck” for rolling around. The other castors were not strong enough to hold such a heavy piano, so the “truck” was the answer. Now, it will be easier to move around in the chancel as needed. Thank you to Jamestown Piano and Kevin Padgett for always being willing to serve our piano needs at the church.

This Sunday, Anne Marie Stirewalt will play trumpet with Amy Bishop on the organ at the 10:30 am worship service. Anne Marie plays in the Coastal Brass, The Community Band, and our Chancel Ensemble. She is often called upon to play TAPS. It is a pleasure to have her play for us in worship. I will be away visiting family. September 5th will be a surprise to you and me both! I am considering a couple of things, but don’t know exactly at this point. Back to week by week planning……… I do know that I have selected Here I Am, Lord as the hymn for that day.

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda