A NOTE FROM NATHAN
There is a commercial circulating about Thanksgiving that concludes with a famous quote adapted from W.S. Gilbert which reads, “It’s not what’s on the table that matters. It’s who is around it.”
It’s a beautiful sentiment, which says a great deal about the people with whom we will gather next Thursday. After all, I suspect if I were to ask you about that to which you are most looking forward this year for Thanksgiving, many of you might not talk about the people with whom you are gathering, as much as you would your favorite Thanksgiving food tradition!
Growing up in Indiana, mine was handmade noodles. I realize, if you are from the South, you don’t get it. Or at least my wife doesn’t. Nevertheless, there is nothing else like them -- cooked in chicken broth, served with mashed potatoes. Just thinking about them takes me back to the table around which we sat in my aunt and uncle’s home for so many holidays.
What is it for you? Cornbread dressing? Stuffing? Turkey? Sweet potato soufflé? Green bean casserole? Pumpkin pie? It’s not Thanksgiving for my wife, Marion, unless there is Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce from the can, sliced, on the table. For her, what’s on the table matters!
And yet, despite the significance of the foods we will eat, the spirit of the quote is true. As important as the ingredients are on the tables around which we will gather next week for sustenance, strength, and an overall enjoyment of the holiday, it’s the people around those tables, no matter how we might feel about them, that really make the holiday matter.
I can’t help but think Jesus must have felt the same in the upper room on that night, gathered with his disciples, to share in the first communion. The people in that room were not perfect. They had not followed him faithfully. He even knew one would betray him. Which is what made the meal significant. The bread and wine, even with all of their symbolism, eaten alone, wouldn’t have been the same. No, what was on the table, brought them together – despite their failings and their flaws, the meal brought them together, which is what was (and is) most important.
Some of you may be looking forward more to the food on the table next week, than the people with whom you will be seated. In an increasingly polarizing time, the holidays have become harder for many. They are intended, though, to remind us of the importance of gathering. We need the love of family and friends. We need the nourishment of community and relationship. Thanksgiving, especially, is a time to be reminded that, despite our differences, we need one another.
Peace,
Nathan
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THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
November 21, 2021
No Worries?
Matthew 6:24-34
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
To view the service this Sunday on our YouTube page, click here.
NOTE: You may be aware that we are still having work done on the Sanctuary heaters, but the work is not complete just yet. We will heat the sanctuary as much as possible before worship, but with low overnight temperatures on Saturday night, expect the sanctuary to be cool for worship.
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UPCOMING SPECIAL SERVICES |
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HANGING OF THE GREEN - Nov. 28, 2021
We invite you and your family and friends to attend SSCC's 50th Annual Hanging of the Green during our 10:15 am service on Sunday, November 28th. This is a very special service with stories, scripture and singing.
Then join us for an informal reception in Dunlap Hall immediately following the service. If your family plans to attend, you are encouraged to bring something to share - fruit, sandwiches, cookies or baked goods. Hot and cold drinks will be provided.
Santa will be joining us in the Whitmire Pavilion. So bring the whole family!
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Sandy Springs Christian Church
An Advent/Christmas Sermon Series:
The Landscape of Love
The Scriptures that help us prepare for the birth of Jesus are filled with places—holy
places, hard places, and the pathways in between. Together, these places present a
“Landscape of Love”—a map of the heights and depths we journey to Bethlehem and the
birth of the Christ Child. During the seasons of Advent and Christmas, we will explore
this terrain in worship by way of Isaiah and his prophecy of the Messiah. Along the way,
we will find God’s love atop a mountain, out of a stump, in the desert, at a manger, and
any place we will allow God’s light to shine.
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December 5, 2021
Out of a Stump
Isaiah 11:1-10
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
December 12, 2021
In the Desert
Isaiah 35:1-10
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
December 19, 2021
Atop a Mountain
Isaiah 2:1-5
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
December 19, 2021
Blue Christmas Service
5:30 pm - Followed by a light supper
Teddy Ivey
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December 24, 2021
In a Manger
6:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service
December 26, 2021
Christmas Sunday
Luke 2:41-52
Katie and Bryant Gibson
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CHRISMONS FOR THE SANCTUARY TREE
This Sunday, November 21st (during Sunday School and right after church), there will be Chrismon-making (tree ornaments for the Sanctuary tree) in the centrum.
If you joined the church this year, it is a SSCC tradition to give you the opportunity to make a Chrismon and hang it on our tree during our Hanging of the Green Service on November 28th as a symbol of your becoming part of the family of this church. Also, other members are invited to upgrade or replace their Chrismon as part of celebrating the wonderful Christmas season.
Please contact Stuart Michels, Chair of Worship, Arts, and Education.
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J.A.M. - CALLING ALL KIDS!
All children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to join us on November 21 right after worship as we make time to give thanks during our November JAM. We'll explore some bible stories about giving thanks, have art projects and some time to be thankful for each other!
Lunch will be provided and pick up is at 1:30. Hope to see you there!
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SANTA IS COMING!
On November 28th, after our Hanging of the Green service, we will have a special visitor joining us on the pavilion. Make plans to come take pictures and let your children meet Santa and receive a special treat! We'll also have refreshments and treats for adults too!
Help us bring in the magical spirit of the Christmas season as we celebrate together!
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DO SOME HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT SSCC!
On Saturday, December 4th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, the Day School's Friends Foundation will hold a holiday gift market right in our very own Whitmire Pavilion. Local artisans will have a wide variety of items for sale.
There will be train rides, face painting, crafts and festive eats and treats! Even Santa will be there!
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MUST MINISTRIES TOY DRIVE - DEADLINE EXTENDED!
MUST Ministries is holding their annual toy drive so we are asking SSCC Members and Friends as well as the Day School families to help us fill up the bins in the lobby.
All you have to do is bring new, unwrapped toys (ages 6 mo. to 18 yrs of age) through Sunday, December 5th. We will take the gifts to MUST Ministries on your behalf.
If you have questions please contact Cathy Cortright at cortright13@gmail.com or call the church office 404.256.2582.
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CHRISTMAS JOY RETURNS TO THE MULBERRY APARTMENTS!
Calling all of Santa’s Helpers!! SSCC is planning to bring Christmas joy to the children of the Mulberry Apartments in Ellijay again this year. These are the kids we first met through Camp Craddock six years ago and have enjoyed every summer and December since 2016. Chris Dalton and Nancy McDaniel are planning a party in Ellijay on December 4 and need help before and during the event. Here is how you can help:
- Do you have a sewing machine that you can use to straight stitch felt stockings? We plan to sew 35 stockings. Felt will be provided. We are looking for volunteers to cut the felt according to a pattern provided (for uniformity) and straight stitch them together.
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Are you willing to donate items for the party? We will shop but will be in the Centrum on Sunday, November 21 and November 28 with gloves and other items needed for the party. Your help purchasing from our Christmas Shop, then donating the items for the party (anticipated to be a variety of items from $1.00 to $10.00) would be helpful.
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Are you willing to meet us in Ellijay on Saturday, December 4 to bring Christmas to the kids? We will have a few crafts and provide hot chocolate and cookies for the families.
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CAC NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
If you are available for several hours during the week at the Hightower Trail Office from now until December to assist with computer input and light office work, Christina Kennett, Youth Projects Coordinator, could use your help. You may reach her at christina.kennett@ourcac.org or call 770-552-4889
In addition, the new South Sandy Springs Food Pantry needs YOU! CAC will be offering this much needed service to clients in South Sandy Springs (across from the Prado on Roswell Road). If your servant heart would like to help assist in the new pantry - check in and check out using the CAC's computer system - YOU are needed. Individual training will be provided in November and December. Please contact nolan.feintuch@ourcac.org or 678-362-5583.
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ADOPT A FAMILY NEWS
Through the CAC's Holiday Adopt a Family Program Outreach is sponsoring 15 children and providing holiday gifts from the Outreach budget. SSCC Members and friends may also choose to adopt a family on their own. If you would like to do so, please visit the CAC website to learn how to make a family's holidays a little brighter! Adopt-a-Family for Holiday Gifts with CAC! | Community Assistance Center
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NOMINATIONS HAVE BEGUN
The Nominating Committee for the 2022 SSCC slate of leadership positions has been assembled and wants to hear from you!
Nominating Committee Members: Cindy Brown, Cathy Cortright, Jay Donnelly, Dottie Gill, Milt Hill, Pat Kapphahn, Cindi McCullough, Floy Mills, Owen Janeway, and Marilyn Torbert.
If you feel called to lead at SSCC or have a candidate recommendation for the committee you’d like to share, please reach out to Nancy McDaniel, Committee Chair at (mcdannan@gmail.com), or reach out to any of the committee members. You may also fill out a nominating form and place it in the box on the Welcome Desk in the Church Lobby.
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SPECIAL THANKSGIVING OFFERING
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 will be taken up on November 21st to continue the Disciples tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the Church.
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A NOTE FROM JOHN MILLS AND BRYANT MCDANIEL
Greetings Sandy Springs Christian Church!
We trust all of you had a great Thanksgiving. Like 2020, this has been a crazy year as we have gradually transitioned to in person Worship, Sunday School, and other events. Our Staff has worked extremely hard to ensure that our transition has been smooth and effective. We are continually amazed by their resourcefulness and ingenuity.
So, as we reflect on all that we are thankful for and begin to consider any year-end giving, please keep our church in mind, specifically our incredible Staff. As in past years, we would like to present our Staff with a special acknowledgement of our appreciation for all that they do and all that they’ve done this year.
If you would like to contribute to this effort, please place it in the offering plate, drop it by the church, or donate online. Be sure to indicate that the funds donated should be directed “Staff Christmas.” Please submit your contributions by Tuesday, December 14th so that gifts can be distributed to the staff on Sunday, December 19th, just in time for Christmas.
Thank you!
Bryant McDaniel, Chair of Personnel
John Mills, President of the Congregation
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CHILI COOK-OFF WAS A DELICIOUS SUCCESS
We want to recognize the winners of last Sunday’s Chili Cook-Off. In first place was Doug Driemeyer. In second place was Cindy Brown's Bison Chili, and third prize went to Bryant and Katie Gibson for their Beef and Bacon Chili. These three received $20, $15, and $10 gift certificates respectively.
We also want to thank the following cooks for contributing their best chili to the Chili Cook-Off: Doug Dreiemeyer, Trudy Stiber, Katie and Bryant Gibson, Milt Hill, Pat Kapphahn, Nancy Trusty, Joan Bramblett, Becky Chimera, Gary Peterson, Cathy Cortright, Floy Mills, Carol Armstrong and Cindy Brown.
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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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PRAYER REQUESTS AND JOYS
Please pray for Anthony Marmo and his family on the passing of his mother, Jocelyn Simms Marmo. A graveside celebration of life was held for Joycelyn on Saturday, November 13, at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Stockbridge, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the church and notate Jocelyn's name. Any funds raised in her memory will go to SSCC's memorial fund.
Please celebrate with Cindy and Peter Brown as their daughter, Michelle Brown Khan, returned home from Iraq on November 10th (YAY!).
Very unexpectedly, Becky Strickland's brother, Ralph Brown, who will be having quadruple bypass surgery today in Lancaster, Ohio.
Dottie Gill's dear friend Nancy Brewer passed away Saturday morning. Please pray for her husband Rev. Don Brewer and her daughter Rev Betty Brewer-Calvert, a dear friend of mine and the entire family.
Please pray for Elizabeth Adrion's cousins; Brittney Matkin and Nicole Dingey whose Mom passed away yesterday in Alabama.
Prayers requested by Benay Gunby for a dear friend, Sonya Matchen, who is in the hospital after emergency surgery this past week.
Please pray for Elton Border, Amy Frost's brother-in-law who is in the hospital.
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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The class will not meet on November 21st.
For three Sundays starting 11/28 through 12/12, Casey Evans will resume leading “The Mulligan”. Then the class will recess until 2022 at which time they will discuss as a group what the first 2022 study series will be.
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PATHFINDERS CLASS
Whether you have questions, answers, both, or neither you can expect wide-ranging information, discussion, and support in the Path Finders’ class. Your ideas, experiences, and knowledge are all welcome. And, if you feel that you don’t have any ideas, experiences, or knowledge you’ll find more than you can imagine as part of this community.
Join John Mills and the Pathfinders in person every Sunday morning in Common Ground at 9:00 am.
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Clint Campbell November 19
Leslie Lady November 19
Stuart Michels November 23
Allen McCahren November 24
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Rusty Grant November 26
Ella Lewis November 26
Mandy Mooney November 26
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