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A NOTE FROM PASTOR NATHAN
It’s official. Our house is decorated for Christmas. It’s become a family tradition, the last several years, to do our decorating on the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving. This includes dragging out bins of ornaments and wreaths, multiple trips to Christmas tree vendors to find the “right tree,” along with several visits to Home Depot for things like fresh garland and new lights.
I’ve noticed a trend the last few years. Our decorations are growing. When we moved to Atlanta, our exterior illumination amounted to candles in the windows behind simple bow-adorned wreaths. A couple of years ago, lights made it onto one of the Japanese Maples. Now light-filled candy canes illuminate the steps on the side of our house to our back yard. This year, we thought it reasonable to add a giant, inflatable, glow-in-the-dark yeti, dressed like Santa Claus. I am beginning to have visions of Clark Griswold and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
I told my family I did not mind our “Christmas Collection” growing, as long as we got rid of items broken, not working, or no longer being used. So, we threw away lights that would not illuminate, ornaments that were beyond repair, and trinkets that had seen better days. As a result, you can imagine our garbage and recycling cans were overflowing.
So, as I rolled the recycling bin to the end of the driveway Monday night (something my daughter was supposed to do earlier in the day…I digress), I turned around and was warmed by the light that shone from our home, against the darkness of the night. Sure, the lights and decorations may have been a little tacky. I’m still trying to figure out what an inflatable yeti has to do with Christmas. Nevertheless, in that moment, I experienced again the spirit of this season. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined (Isaiah 9:2).
Advent is a time for all of us to “prepare him room.” Perhaps this means getting rid of things that no longer illuminate in each of our lives – dark resentments, old-tattered judgments, or frayed understandings of one another. After all, our light can only grow if we are willing to clean out those dark and dusty corners. Who knows, you might even find something that still has a flicker of life, redeemable, ready to re-enter your Christmas collection as evidence of Christ’s coming into the world.
There is plenty of darkness to go around these days. Sometimes I worry it’s overwhelming us. So don’t be afraid to lean into the light this season – even if it’s a giant, inflatable yeti. It might turn out to be the reminder we all need: The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5).
Peace,
Nathan
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Signs
A Sermon Series for the Season of Advent
We follow signs every day, whether we realize it or not: traffic signs, billboards, posted instructions. If they are clear, signs can help point the way. Unfortunately, some signs are obscured. Just read your daily horoscope, as an example. The season of Advent is full of signs. Some are obvious. Some, less so. All of them, though, lead us to “the reason for the season.” Let us journey to the Christ Child together, as we attempt, along the way, to look for and follow the signs.
Sunday, November 27th, 2022 (Hanging of the Green)
The Symbols of the Season
Sunday, December 4, 2022
Written in the Stars
Matthew 24:29-44
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Prophets to Point the Way
Matthew 3:1-12
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, December 18, 2022
One Song
Luke 1:46-56
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Saturday, December 24, 2022 (Christmas Eve)
A Light in the Darkness
John 1:1-14
Sunday, December 25, 2022 (Christmas Day)
The Manger Full of Hay
Luke 2:1-14
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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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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NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITY | |
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THE CHRISTMAS STORIES
Most of us think of the birth of Jesus as one story about two people who travel to Bethlehem, can’t find a room, bring a baby into the world in a stable, are visited by shepherds who have heard about the birth from angels, and kings who follow a star. We have combined two stories – a Luke version and a Matthew version into one simple story leaving behind what Jesus meant to each writer.
Let’s read and discover together the stories that Luke and Matthew wanted us to hear. Each is a Christmas gift!!!
We will meet in the Leslie Classroom for three Sundays during Advent (December 4th, 11th, and 18th) at Noon. Get some lunch and bring it with you. Tis the Season for Christmas STORIES! ~ Leslie Lady
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FREE CONCERT!
Knightsong (featuring some of SSCC's finest singing talent) will be holding a FREE holiday concert in Dunlap Hall on Dec. 4th at 2:00 pm. Refreshments will be served. Come join us and get into the holiday spirit!
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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENT!
Join us for a fun-filled evening on Sunday, December 11th. At 5:30 pm we will have a special all-church Christmas Dinner, followed by a performance by our children and youth of, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." The event will take place in Dunlap Hall and dinner will be prepared by the famous Chefs Torbert and their wonderful team. We hope to have a special visitor that night as well! Mark your calendars now!
Please click on the link below, or sign up on the sheets in the lobby by Thursday, December 8th, so we know how many to plan for!
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BLUE CHRISTMAS
If the Christmas season brings you some sadness instead of joy, we will have a Blue Christmas service on Wednesday, December 21st at 5:30 pm lead by Rev. Teddy Ivey. Come and feel God's love and healing.
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5:30 PM
Traditional Candlelight
Christmas Eve Service
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7:30 PM
And intimate service of singing and lighting candles
in the Whitmire Pavilion
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Sunday, December 25, 2022 (Christmas Day)
A Virtual Worship Experience
(There will be no In-Person Worship on Christmas Day)
The Manger Full of Hay
Luke 2:1-14
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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POINSETTIAS
Every Christmas season we offer the opportunity for you to remember and/or celebrate loved ones by donating to cover some of the cost of the Poinsettias. Each Sunday starting through December 18, there will be a form in the bulletin that you can fill out and return in the offering plate as it is passed. Please wrap the poinsettia form around your donation and remember to mark your checks on the memo line with "Poinsettias".
An insert with all of the celebrated and remembered names will be included in the bulletins on Christmas Eve. If you choose to take your poinsettia(s) home, you may do so after service on Christmas Eve.
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CAC ADOPT-A-FAMILY AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Thanks to your generosity 15 children and 3 families will have a brighter Christmas this year! If you wish to make an additional donation, click HERE to visit the CAC website.
Help is needed to prepare and distribute holiday gifts to over 500 families. Opportunities to volunteer through 12/15 are available by clicking HERE. Questions Contact Kendra Plotkin.
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INSPIRITUS HOPE TREE 2022
Inspiritus, our refugee agency partner, is conducting a drive to collect Walmart and Visa gift cards as well as new winter coats for refugees and immigrants who are newly arrived and needing a coat for their first winter in the US. This is an important and easy project to support -- - simply go to the SignUp Genius link below, read the instructions, and then sign up for what you are able to contribute. Coats and gift cards can be dropped off at the church and placed in the Intern office no later than must be received by Dec. 7. Please feel free to share this link with anyone who might want to help.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c044daca62ba5fb6-hope4
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SCHOLARSHIP FUND NEWS
The scholarship fund accrued $880.00 thanks to you, a generous support group of a congregation. We also helped the church library lose some weight and most of the plants found good homes. Thanking those who helped, in addition to those who purchased, is a pleasure: Demaris, Peggy and Perry (Youth group), Amy Frost, Sandy Matthews, Floy Mills and Mary Anne Posey. Because Mary Anne is not well at this time, if you paid for a recipe book, please let me know and your money will be returned. With sincere appreciation, Joanne Burgess.
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THANKSGIVING OFFERING
Thanks to your generosity we were able to send $508 for the Special Thanksgiving offering to benefit DOC education ministries.
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Do you watch This Old House or countless reality remodeling shows? Then we would like to talk to you!
From time to time we have small handyman and/or set up requests here at the church and school, and in order to keep building costs down, we wonder if you might be able to help. Requests could range from anything like painting, to minor repairs, setting up chairs and tables, etc. If interested please call the church office and let us know.
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PATHFINDERS
John Mills will facilitate a discussion of the origins and meaning of Advent.
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MODERN DISCIPLES CLASS
12/4: We will continue our study of Art Edwards' book "Fruit of the Spirit." We will listen to/study the chapter on " Self-Control: Egkrateia" & "Connections: Jesus, Paul, & John." See you in the conference room around 9:00 am for some donut holes & great conversation!
12/11: We will conclude our study of Art Edwards' book "Fruit of the Spirit." We will listen to/study the chapter on "Love: Agape" & "Omega: Gifts vs. Fruits & Spiderman."
We will NOT be having class on 12/18.
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We have opened up slots for Worship Leader sign ups for the NEW YEAR starting January 8th and beyond. If you would like to participate in Sunday's service, please sign up.
Worship Leaders typically do the Call to Worship, Scripture Reading, Call to Giving and the Welcome to Visitors. We have a guide we can send you that outlines exactly how to do the respective parts, and we can send you everything you need in advance of the service. Please call the church office if you have questions. We appreciate your willingness to serve.
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Prayers for Dan Ross on the passing of his dear wife, Lolly, last week.
A praise for Robyn Hicks! After a recent procedure, her eyesight has much improved! We give thanks to God for this wonderful news.
Prayers for Mary Anne Posey's health to improve.
Prayers for Glen Giordano. His mother, Lorraine, passed away last Saturday.
Continued prayers for the family of Scott Nesbit (Jeff Moore's brother-in-law) who passed away last week.
Please pray for Stephen Brown who continues to fight an infection.
Prayers are requested for Sandie Reed who had surgery on November 14th at Cherokee Northside Hospital.
Dottie Gill requests prayers for Rev. Dr. James Brewer-Calvert of First Christian Church of Decatur who is undergoing treatment for recurring cancer.
Prayers are requested for JoAnn and Les Baright.
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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. 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, Minister of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
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Hank Filacchione December 01 Caroline Grant December 07 Kendra Plotkin December 07
Niki Norman December 10
Larri Wolf December 10
Laura Prescott December 13
Lorelei Lee December 15
Kyle Norman December 15
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Elinor Tollman December 15
Presley Campbell December 18
Jared Mills December 18
Jonah Mills December 18
Lorelei McGahee December 21
Elizabeth Adrion December 22
Julie Sanford December 27
Janelle Hicks December 29
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