|
A NOTE FROM NATHAN
It was like a family reunion. Or, at the very least, it was like a homecoming celebration. Of course, I’m describing the Memorial Service for Barb Duren we held at SSCC last Sunday afternoon.
The sanctuary was full. People from all over the country came to celebrate Barb’s life. Folks from SSCC’s long history returned to honor her legacy. We shared memories from ages past not only about Barb, but about the ministry of Sandy Springs Christian Church. It was a beautiful day. It was what Church is supposed to be.
Which, I think, to some degree, we have forgotten. Understandably so. For more than two years, Church was different. Instead of being intimate, it was remote. Instead of being familiar, it was foreign. Instead of feeling easy, it felt hard. When you are constantly worried about how to do Church differently, you can lose sight of why we do Church at all. Barb’s service was a perfect reminder of why we are the Church.
This Sunday, we will conclude our five-week series on Paul’s letter to the Galatians, Dear Church. Each week, following the sermon, we have had a saint of our church read a letter to the congregation, which they have written, about what the Church means to them. The letters have been reminders of who Sandy Springs Christian Church is, at our core. What makes up the DNA of SSCC? What is unique about our specific faith community and ministry? What must we hold onto as we move into the future? (If you missed any of these letters, you can go back and find them in our weekly newsletters).
Paul says to the Church, whatever you become, just make sure you don’t worry as much about the Law as you do about the Spirit. Don’t get so bogged down in the details, that you lose sight of the bigger picture. Don’t get so overwhelmed by the logistics that you forget to love one another. Don’t worry as much about the how as you do the why.
Barb’s life was a reminder of the why. Being in fellowship with one another, in a spirit of love, is pure joy. Serving one another in ministry is a meaningful opportunity. Praying for and caring about others is a blessing. Being in Christian community is fun. Following Jesus is a gift.
Whether you were present in person or tuned in via livestream, I hope you got a glimpse of the Church – the way it is supposed to be. Barb’s life was a beautiful reminder to us all, at a time we need it most.
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.
| |
|
Dear Church
A Sermon Series on Paul’s letter to the Galatians
While Paul’s letter to the Galatians addresses the specific circumstances of that time, he may as well have been writing to the Church today. After all, the Galatians are wrestling with how to be church in a rapidly changing world. They are trying to figure out what to prioritize during significant change. They are polarized and need a path forward. The Church is becoming something new. Sound familiar? As we worship together, let’s listen for wisdom from Paul as he addresses both the church of yesterday and the church of today in the last of our series we are calling, “Dear Church,.”
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Become a New Creation
Galatians 6:7-16
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
| |
|
COMMUNITY SUNDAY SCHOOL
I'll be teaching an All-Church Sunday School Class this Sunday, July 17th, in Dunlap Hall on one of the scriptures I studied during my classes. Matthew 25:31-46. We will talk about the issue of hunger and what Jesus was teaching in the parable. We will examine what different commentary authors thought about the scripture and compare some of their thoughts. We will look at the need to feed others during biblical times and the need to feed others today. Join us in Dunlap Hall at 9:00 am. See you there! Teresa
| |
Each week, during the "Dear Church" series, one long-time congregant will read a letter they have written to SSCC. Several of you have asked for a way to read/ their "Dear SSCC" letters to the congregation. Click the button below to read/view the letter from Floyd and Charlotte Hale.
| |
|
THINGS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY
John 10:10 "I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly" and Psalm 90:1-4,10-,12.
I think it is official now, having just celebrated 80 years, I am among the 'old'. Really OLD
And I've learned a lot of lessons along the way about this privilege of living into lots of years. Really living our best life at any age. Mostly I've learned through mistakes made and the wisdom and joy of others walking into years ahead of me.
On Sunday, July 24, since I'm retired and don't have to really 'preach', and being a bit focused these birthday celebrating days on the years that have been and those that remain, I hope you will join me for a bit of reflection on this one precious life we are given. Thanks be to God! NO matter how many years our lives hold...thanks be to God!
~ Rev. Linda Whitmire
| |
|
REMEMBERING BARBARA DUREN
We would like to thank everyone for attending Barbara's service. She certainly will be missed.
In addition, thank you to all who made her service such a success, from the beautiful music, singing, and sound/livestreaming.
Our Care and Connect team, together with wonderful volunteers, did a wonderful job in coordinating, providing for and staffing the reception in Dunlap Hall. We all made Barbara proud!
| |
|
REMEMBERING PAT EMERSON
Pat Emerson, Stephen Brown's mother, passed Sunday morning, July 10th. She had been a member of our church since August 2015 and was baptized in First Christian Church Tulsa at a young age. She raised her children at Hurst Christian Church and was a member there until she moved to Roswell and was a member at SSCC.
A graveside Service will be held tomorrow at Greenwood Mount Olivet in Fortworth, TX. Please keep the Brown family in your prayers.
| |
|
This Weekend's
Outreach Opportunities
July 16 - TOMORROW, Saturday, CAC Food Pantry & Thrift Store
July 17 - THIS Sunday - Backpack stuffing & Pizza Party after church
SSCC will, again, provide backpacks stuffed with school supplies for local high school seniors. After service THIS SUNDAY, July 17th come help fill backpacks and enjoy fellowship, pizza and soft drinks when we are done.
"For families that live on a tight budget or suffer a financial set back such as a job loss, seasonal expenses such as backpacks and school supplies for children can be a hardship. That’s why with support of donors, the Community Assistance Center (CAC) provides free backpacks and school supplies to children of local families in need."
| |
|
VOLUNTEER!
If you have any questions, please contact Cindi McCollough,
SSCC Outreach Chair, 770-365-0365. Thank you for your servant hearts.
| |
|
Our July International Dining event will be at noon THIS Sunday, July 17 at gusto!, 688 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta in Parkaire Landing. Please let Milt Hill know if you plan on joining us, so we will know how much seating will be needed. A last minute change, to attend or not to attend, is not a problem.
| |
|
SSCC VBS IS ALMOST HERE!
We are so excited for our upcoming Food Truck VBS! We will fire up the trucks on Sunday, July 24 from 11:30-2pm with a VBS kickoff party in Dunlap Hall, lunch will be provided. VBS will run from Monday - Wednesday, July 25 through July 27 from 9:30 - 1:00 pm.
If you would like to register your child, ages 3 (potty trained) through just finishing fifth grade, please click below for more details and to register.
NOTE: We are limiting registration to 50 kids!
| |
If you would like to volunteer as a helper at the event, please click the button below to use our signup genius to let us know if you can make it! You can come some days, or all! We can't wait for another amazing VBS at SSCC. See you there! | |
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES | |
|
UPDATE!
Hello, Fellow MDers!
I hope everything and everyone is doing well this summer. I plan to attend the all-church Sunday school led by Teresa Bensch this Sunday morning before church, which I encourage you to try and join in as well.
Also, in the conference room, we will restart our MD classes on Sunday, July 31st, at 9:15 am. To kick off our year, we will discuss The Prodigal Son parable, inspired by one of my summer reading books I just finished called "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen.
Casey Evans
| |
|
CURRENT STUDY
We will join Teresa Bensch in Dunlap Hall at 9:00 am for her community Sunday school class.
| |
|
Continued prayers for healing and recovery for Phillip McCollough, and for Cind as she cares for him.
Continued prayers for Scott Nesbit, Jeff Moore's brother-in-law who is undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer.
Prayers of healing for Laura Prescott's sister, Libby Carpenter, who broke her leg and twisted her knee on July 4th.
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 Teddy Ivey, Director of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
| |
|
Dottie Gill July 15
Lynn McCahren July 17
Bryant McDaniel July 18
Breijanna Dyke July 20
Floyd Hale July 21
Karla Worley July 21
| |
|
Patty French July 23
Cooper Gibson July 25
Alan Burgess July 30
Tyler Brown July 31
Donna Lassiter July 31
| | | | |
