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A NOTE FROM TERESA
“For I know the plans I have for you.” 'Says the Lord.' “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope…" ~ Jeremiah 29:11-14
“When you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me, I will be found by you.” 'Says the Lord.' “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” ~ Psalm 32:8
The scripture readings above are my favorites. The Lord has plans for me so that I might prosper. God’s plans do not intend harm or disaster. I’ve leaned on these words during my seminary experience for the past seven years. I’ll continue to hold fast as I complete the last mile of my journey.
I finished all the post-work for January’s intensive a few weeks ago. It was the first time I’ve ever taken three classes simultaneously; fortunately, I do not anticipate ever having to do it again.
The first class was Apocalyptic Preaching. We studied Revelation and read several fascinating books about the end times. I practiced preaching a sermon that I hope to share with you at some point. It focused on the pain we’ve experienced in the deaths of members over the last year. While Revelation can be difficult to understand, we can rest assured that “God Wins” in the end.
The second class was on Mission and work that has taken place in the last century. I evaluated a mission group and am happy to report our involvement in the Community Assistance Center (CAC) is a beautiful partnership to celebrate. The greatest attribute of a successful mission program is partnership, and the CAC has many partners.
The third class was called “African American Biblical Interpretation.” This class allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and begin to look at interpreting the Bible from a different perspective. The class stretched me and allowed me to look at my privilege in the world again. I studied several Biblical passages that have been used to oppress different groups and wrote a paper on one of those scriptures.
The journey continues as I take on my Capstone—the final requirement before graduation. My Capstone will focus on Faith Formation, emphasizing Adult Education. I have three months to finish the project once my proposal is approved. The requirements will include a few activities you’ll see during this time. I ask that you keep me in your prayers. I know that God has plans for me (and you) – plans for good and not for disaster, to give us a future and hope.
Peace,
Teresa
P.S. If all goes as planned, my ordination is scheduled for October 15th, 2023.
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Lent
Living Dead, Dying for New Life
There are plenty of us “living dead” these days. Just because you have a beating heart, doesn’t mean you are fully alive. Nor does being dead mean that you do not continue to live. Jesus isn’t the kind of physician who worries with with one's vitals. He’s less concerned with survival and more concerned with new life. There is a difference. Throughout Lent, we will explore the stories of those who, through an encounter with Jesus, are transformed from the living dead into those who find new life. Perhaps this Lenten season, their stories might inform our own.
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Living Tempted, Dying for Contentment - Matthew 4:1-11
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Living Christian, Dying for Discipleship - John 3:1-17
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Living Thirsty, Dying for Water - John 4:5-42
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Living Blind, Dying for Sight - John 9:1-41
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Living Bound, Dying for Freedom - John 11:1-45
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, April 2, 2023 (Palm Sunday)
Living Palms, Dying for Passion - Matthew 21:1-11
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, April 9, 2023 (Easter Sunday)
Living Dead, Dying for New Life - Matthew 28:1-10
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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LENTEN SMALL GROUP
Wednesdays from March 1 - 30
We are holding a 5-week class facilitated by Pastor Nathan on the book, “The Lives We Actually Have” on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM, beginning March 1st. The book will help facilitate a spiritual practice of prayerful reflection throughout the Lenten Season. We will meet in the Leslie Classroom at 6:30 PM for discussion. Books are available for purchase at the church for $16 each.
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LENTEN DEVOTIONALS - If you would like a 40 day, Lenten Devotional to be used in our daily time of prayer, we are offering, "Unsettling Lent" by Brian Kaylor, Angela Parker and Beau Underwood. We have 15 copies available at the welcome desk and they are $6 each. You may call the church office to reserve your copy.
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FLOWER SIGN UPS!
Sunday, MARCH 26th is in need of some "love".
You can use the sign-up button below to select the Sundays you wish to sponsor and fill in your name, who/what the flowers are for. Then write a check to SSCC any time prior to your date or send the amount through ZELLE to "accounting@sandysppringscc.org". If you have any questions, or want to reserve a date over the phone, just call the church office at 404.256.2582.
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BAPTISM AND BELONGING CLASS
Lent is typically a time of preparation for baptism. In the Disciples tradition, we usually baptize children during the time of 3rd-6th grade. If your child is interested in exploring an Easter Baptism, we hope you'll consider joining us for our Baptism and Belonging class led by Rev. Nathan. Dates for our class will become available as we find a time that works best for the children involved.
This is really just a chance for your child to learn more about baptism. By coming to the class, by no means does that mean your child has to be baptized this year. We really want your child to feel comfortable and understand what it means before making such an important decision. Parents are also welcome to join us for the class. After the class, we can talk more about whether you all are ready for baptism on Easter Sunday. You can email Bryant at youth@sandyspringscc.org for more information or to secure a spot for your child.
Also, in the Disciples of Christ Church, if you haven't been baptized, you are always welcome. If you have questions about baptism. Please contact Rev. Nathan at nathan@sandyspringscc.org or call the church office.
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2023
Louisville, Kentucky
JULY 29-AUGUST 1, 2023
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada is excited to announce the 2023 General Assembly in Louisville, Kentucky, July 29-August 1! It will be the first time in four years the church as a whole has gathered.
Save the date to join Disciples across the church as we gather in person and digitally.
If you plan on attending, please let Pastor Nathan know if you would like to be a voting representative. Registration is now open. Discounted "Early Bird" rates end February 28th.
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Our February date has been set for our monthly international dinner. We will be meeting at Arepa Mia, 10 N Clarendon Ave, Avondale Estates GA 30002 on Tuesday, February 28 at 7 PM for excellent Venezuelan arepas. Their web site address is: arepamiaatlanta.com if you are interested in seeing their menu, or other details. Pease note that this is a gluten free organic restaurant. It was begun twelve years ago at Sweet Auburn Curb Market by Lis Hernandez.
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CHURCH-WIDE EVENT! SAVE THE DATE! MARCH 5TH
DAWGS VS. FROGS FAMILY FEUD AND SOUP SUNDAY!
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LET THE FUN BEGIN!
Everyone is welcome to join us for Soup Sunday and watch our GA and TCU teams in a "rematch" FAMILY FEUD STYLE! Wear your team colors that day and find out who will end up with bragging rights.
Playing for The Frogs: Nathan Brown! Denise Shipman! Mandy Mooney! Jim Torbert! Caroline Grant! and Tim Helton! And playing for The Dawgs: Teddy Ivey! JR Torbert! Becky Kelly! Casey Evans! Sara Torbert! and Katie Gibson!
The event is Sunday, March 5 - after Church in Dunlap Hall. If you plan to attend, we are asking for you to sign up either by clicking the button below, OR by signing up on the sheet in the lobby (please only sign up in one place). In addition, we are hoping for 20 families to sign up to bring a crockpot of soup or stew. Drinks, dessert and cornbread will be provided. If you have any questions please reach out to Joan at Joanbramblett@gmail.com.
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REV JAMES BREWER CALVERT'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY AT FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH, DECATUR
You are invited to attend the celebration, Saturday, March 4th @ 5:00 pm, for an Elton John singalong. Then on Sunday March 5th beginning at 10:30 am there will be a Homecoming Celebration Service and Reception to follow.
601 Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, 404.378.3621 or email: FCCDecatur@gmail.com.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES | |
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THE GATHERING HOUR 9AM ON SUNDAY
We bring you: "The Gathering Hour" starting Sundays at 9:00 AM. This hour offers two adult options and a children's option for spending time in fellowship. Click on the picture on the right to read a description of current classes
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THANKS AND PRAYER REQUESTS | |
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Visitor, Carol Breitfeller (Campbell Stone resident of 6 months) is settling in and learning the area and says "Thanks for having me."
From Dan Ross, "I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to “ALL” at SSCC and any others that either in thoughts, deeds or physically helped, prayed, gave flowers or donations in Lolly’s name to SSCC, or participated in any way to my wife Lolly Ross, Celebration of her Life, Sunday 2/19/23. I am so thankful to everyone. Thank you, thank you and God bless."
Please pray for the family of Andy Rose, especially Jill and Courtney Rose as they grieve their brother.
Continued prayers for Mary Anne Posey who now has a new address: c/o Golden Rose Personal Care Home, 2147 Post Oak Tritt Rd., Marietta, GA 30062. She would enjoy receiving cards letting you know you are thinking about her.
Fran Michels asks for prayers for Dan Ross in the celebration of Lolly's life.
Prayers are requested for Niki Norman's mom, Jan Brodie. She had hip replacement surgery on February 15th.
Larri Wolf asks for prayers for her cousin, Corinne Spray, who is undergoing very strong chemo for breast cancer and she's having a very tough time.
Lynn McCahren asks for prayers for her brother, Doug Blount, whose cancer has returned and he prepares for radiation treatment on his brain.
| 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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Kathleen Reese February 20
Wayne Dimmitt February 21
Pat Kapphahn February 22
Tom Bratten February 23
Charles Rolen February 23
Bryant Gibson March 01
Art Edwards March 02
Kate McKinney March 03
Kaitlin Kahrs March 04
Jeff Moore March 04
Joe Moore March 05
Anne Butz March 06
Steve Clark March 06
Elaine Donnelly March 06
Jordan Moore March 06
Sandie Reed March 07
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Shelton Blackburn March 12 James Richard Torbert March 13
Lauren Ivey March 18
Ann Walker March 19
Nathan Chimera March 21
Ryan Kahrs March 22
Dale Williamson March 23
Laura Campbell March 25
Emily Leek March 26
Denise Shipman March 26
Angi Brown March 28
Richard Walker March 28
Dennis Bramblett March 29
John Gilmore March 29
Harrison Brown March 31
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