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A NOTE FROM NATHAN
It’s not often that I’m at a true loss for words. I’m a preacher. Words are integral to what I do. However, in the face of another school shooting in which 19 elementary aged children and two teachers were killed, what do I say? What can be said that hasn’t already been said? When you experience mass shootings as often as we do, we’ve heard it all. Or at least I did again this week. It goes something like this:
“It’s a tragedy of epic proportions. How could someone do such a thing? Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families. What was wrong with the shooter? The signs were there, why didn’t authorities do anything about this beforehand? What is an 18-year-old doing with an assault rifle? We need to address mental health in this country. We need to address who has access to guns in this country.”
Don’t get me wrong, these words are important. I’ve spoken them myself. Words matter. Sometimes words are not enough.
That’s what Jesus taught. His teachings are important, but his actions are even more instructive. He heals ten lepers so that they can return to their communities. He gives sight to the blind beggar. He takes little children into his arms. Repeatedly, Jesus gives care to and spends time with the most vulnerable.
I don’t know how to eradicate gun violence in our country. I don’t know how to address mental health in our nation. I don’t know how to ensure that Uvalde never happens again.
I do know that children are among the most vulnerable in our world. I do know we can do more to protect them and advocate for them. I know, in this instance, our words are not enough.
In the end, we all hope for the same world. A world in which we can feel safe and secure. A world in which violence is the exception and not the norm. A world in which intruder drills at schools are no longer necessary. We all hope, as we pray on Sunday mornings, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
We have different ideas about how to build such a world. I’ve heard and read most of them. You have too. But have you acted on any of them? I know I haven’t – at least in any real, meaningful way. Until now.
After all, our thoughts and prayers are empty if they don’t inspire embodiment.
Peace,
Nathan
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NOTE: THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.
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.
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Paul and Silas find themselves beaten and thrown in Jail. It is midnight, literally and figuratively, the darkest hour. You might expect them to be down in the dumps, but no, they are singing hymns about Jesus, so that other prisoners can hear. It is by our words and actions, as believers in Jesus Christ our Lord, that we help bring others to Salvation. Like the jailer and his household, we can rejoice and become believers in God. ~ Teresa Bensch
May 29, 2022
In Our Darkest Hour
Acts 16:16-34
Teresa Bensch, Pastoral Intern
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Join us for a special Pentecost service on Sunday, June 5th, at 10:15 am.
If you feel inspired, wear red to worship!
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FLOWERS FOR THE SANCTUARY...
WE HAVE SOME OPEN DATES 6/5 & 6/12!
Are you looking for a way to commemorate/celebrate something or someone? Would you like to express your love or gratitude in a special way? AND beautify the sanctuary and our livestream at the same time? Well, we have just the thing!
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2022 CRADDOCK GRADS!
Last Sunday we celebrated our first high school graduates from the Mulberry Apartments in Ellijay, Georgia! We met these students many years ago through our association with Camp Craddock. At that time, they were just finishing sixth grade and through the subsequent years we have enjoyed watching them successfully complete high school and now look forward to bright futures. We honored Jimmy, who has earned a full ride to Young Harris College with plans to become a music teacher; Ashlee, who has been accepted to Kennesaw State University to study nursing; and Bernardino, who has a full time job offer.
While we initially approached the Executive Director of the Craddock Center hoping to find a build or rehab project, we were directed to the community of Guatemalan immigrants at the Mulberry Apartments. Our SSCC volunteers fell in love with the community and returned each Christmas and summer to offer camp activities and emphasize literacy. Over the 6 years, we have returned fifteen times, sometimes for a week of summer camp, sometimes for a day of Christmas camp celebration. We have been amazed at the consistency of families that are there every year which has allowed us to build deep, caring relationships.
The mission of Camp Craddock, as established by the revered DOC minister Dr. Fred Craddock, has been to "enrich the lives of the people of Southern Appalachia through service...seeking to break cycles of poverty, isolation, and low self-esteem". Dr. Craddock dreamed of making a difference by offering programs to meet individuals' needs for "physical health, social and cultural enrichment, and the desire for greater educational and growth opportunities". What has magically happened, though, is that through our commitment to enrich the lives of these families, we have shared God's love and they have enriched ours! Dr. Craddock, who died in 2015 before we began this relationship, would be so proud of our volunteers' commitment and especially of "our" graduates!
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UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES!
If you have not, please consider taking the OUTREACH SURVEY. We need your input. What projects, what agencies, and where do you want Outreach to help? Here's the link for a brief survey: 2022 SSCC Outreach Survey.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cindi McCollough,
SSCC Outreach Chair, 770-365-0365. Thank you for your servant hearts.
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Upcoming Outreach events & projects:
June 18 - 3rd Saturday, CAC Food Pantry & Thrift Store
June 26 - Sandwich making after church in Dunlap Hall
July 16 - 3rd Saturday, CAC Food Pantry & Thrift Store
July 17 - Backpack stuffing & Pizza Party after church
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RECOGNIZING OUR GRADS!
We want to congratulate SSCC's 2022 graduates and recognize them in an upcoming worship service.
We know William Reese, Zach DeBrock, and Maisie Worley will be graduating high school, along with Bailey Mooney and Teddy Ivey from grad school.
If you know of any other graduates please send an email to amy@sandyspringscc.org. We want to include them as well. Thanks in advance!
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WE NEED YOU!
We are looking for some volunteers to help with AV/Sound during service on Sundays. We would like to be able to rotate more folks in and out. If you can push a button, you are qualified, and we will train you. (In addition, this counts towards HS Volunteer hours). Please reach out to Susan McCluskey, Leslie Lady or Amy Frost if you can help.
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GRIEF SHARE SUPPPORT GROUP
It you are experiencing grief, no matter what the loss that your journey entails, you are invited to participate in a new grief support group. The group will meet in Common Ground at the church, twice monthly, on the first and third Wednesdays, 10:00 -11:30 AM. Rev. Linda Whitmire will facilitate. If you are unable to participate at that time but feel you need grief support, contact Linda or Amy Frost (at the church office).
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FOOD INSECURITY
If you or someone you know in our church community is facing food insecurity because of a decrease or loss in income, please privately contact Kendra Plotkin so that we can provide assistance to keep their pantry full. All information is kept in complete confidence. Please email kendra.plotkin@gmail.com.
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SPECIAL PENTECOST OFFERING
By making a gift to the 2022 Pentecost Offering, on Sundays, May 29 and June 5, you can ensure that the new church movement continues to prosper in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Each year, half of these gifts go to your own region to support local new church development. The other half goes to New Church Ministry, which trains, equips, assists, and multiplies new church leaders across the United States and Canada through programs such as coaching, New Church Hacks, and Water the Plants.
Planning, nurturing, and sustaining new places of worship is part of the Disciples’ vision – participation in this Special Day Offering helps this vision come to life.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES | |
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SUMMER BREAK!
Modern Disciples class is taking a Summer break and will return in August sometime. We hope you signed up for the book study on A House United by Adam Hamilton.
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CURRENT STUDY
In Pathfinders for the next few weeks we will be studying the book "What Is the Bible?" by Rob Bell. In this book, Bell argues that an ancient library of poems, letters, and stories (i.e., the Bible) can transform the way you think and feel about everything, if only you will learn how to read it.
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JOYS AND PRAYER REQUESTS
Please pray for the family of Jeff Moore after the passing of his mother this week. After turning 90 last week, she passed away peacefully in their home on Monday from cancer. The family is grateful to God for placing people in their lives to help them better support her these past few months. The dogs already miss all of her under-the-table treats. She knew the love of her family each and every day.
Prayers are requested for Kerry Bensch. Kerry had knee replacement surgery this week. Please pray for a smooth recovery and improved health overall.
Please continue to pray for Bryant Hodgson as he continues rehab. Prayers for recovery and encouragement for good spirits are needed. Cards and well wishes may be sent via the Memory Center, 12050 Findley Rd. Johns Creek, GA 30097. The center is open for visitors in small numbers as well. Calling ahead is suggested (770) 476-3678.
Please continue to pray for Mary's niece, Dee Dee Bentley, as she recovers from surgery.
Ferris Leslie asks for prayers for her youngest brother, Carl Tippin, who is at St. Joes after suffering a heart attack. Please pray for good doctors and a speedy recovery.
Allen McCahren asks for prayers for his twin brother, Jerry who was recently diagnosed with COVID.
From Dottie Gill, "Hello Friends; Elizabeth an I will be moving June 1, to a different place. Our apartment building was sold and we must move. This is a hard move, we are downsizing and going to much smaller accommodations. Please pray for an easy move and a nice transition for both of us and of course Toto. Thank you for your prayers."
Joy! For Teddy Ivey and all of our seniors graduating and moving into their next steps in this joy-filled world! ~ from Brandi and Casey Evans.
Continued prayers for peace on earth, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Israel and the United States.
Please pray for CJ Kennedy and his parents, Henry and Jessica. CJ is an adorable 11-month old who was diagnosed with liver cancer this week. He is Linda Whitmire's sister's great grandson. All are devastated.
Linda Whitmire requests prayers for the family of Susan Whitmire Ott. Susan is Linda's oldest stepchild and died earlier this monthquietly at home.
Bob Hicks is home after his hip surgery. Please continue to pray for a smooth recovery and full healing.
Pray for Jim Torbert as he continues successful rehab at home. Feel free to send cards to the house with well wishes.
John Dalton sends his best to the entire congregation. He would certainly appreciate cards sent to his home address: 4975 Exodus Ct. Marietta, GA 30062.
CLICK HERE to see the list of our first responders and military members who we continue to pray for.
If you have any prayer requests or joys to share, please contact Teddy Ivey, Director of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
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Maisie Worley May 26
Michelle Brown Kahn May 30
Josie Worley May 31
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