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A NOTE FROM TEDDY
I am usually excited when I’m asked to write. I enjoy the process, the ideas, the research, even the editing. So, when I was asked to write the newsletter article for this week, I agreed to do so with excitement. However, as the weeks passed and my turn grew closer, that feeling went from excitement, to anxiety and worry, to dread. I had writer’s block. I had no idea what I might write about. Sure, there is a lot going on in the world and the church, but nothing that seemed “newsletter appropriate.” Everything I could think of just felt…mundane.
Then I looked out of the window at the hospital where I am doing my chaplaincy residency and I saw a man in a white hat walking towards the Winship Cancer Institute. He was in the middle of a mundane activity but was doing so to deal with something not so ordinary. I then noticed the leaves on the tree outside and really began to ponder the complicated system of xylem and phloem, veins and stems that make its beauty possible.
Finally, I noticed my own breath, something that happens more for me now that I’m in a building that is filled with sickness and sometimes death. I was flooded with the joy of a miracle that is my own existence and the ability to take that breath right then. Such a repeated and mundane moment, one that was only possible because of an infinite number of miracles before it.
If you are in a space of feeling ordinary or stuck in a routine, take a moment to thank God for that common place experience. It too is a miracle. And in doing so, may your eyes open to the daily miracles that surround us. What a gift from God this moment is.
~Teddy
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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, 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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PALM SUNDAY – April 2nd is considered the first day of Holy Week.
We will gather for service in the sanctuary at 10:15 am for worship.
WORSHIPFUL MAUNDY THURSDAY DINNER – We will dine together on April 6th at 7:00 pm in Dunlap Hall. (See article below).
GOOD FRIDAY – Stations of the cross from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
in the sanctuary.
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE – 7:00 am in the Whitmire Pavilion.
POTLUCK EASTER BRUNCH – For all in Dunlap Hall beginning at 9:00 am.
(See article below).
EASTER EGG HUNT – For the kids begins at 9:30 am
on the church grounds.
TRADITIONAL EASTER SERVICE – Begins at 10:15 am in the sanctuary.
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WORSHIPFUL MAUNDY THURSDAY DINNER
On Thursday, April 6th, we will share a delicious meal, including the Torbert's famous Brisket, interspersed with scripture and reflective conversation. We will conclude with communion. Dinner will start in Dunlap Hall at 7:00 pm. Please click on the picture on the right to sign up, use the sheets in the lobby or contact the church office.
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POTLUCK EASTER BRUNCH
On Easter Sunday, April 9th SSCC will host a potluck Easter brunch in Dunlap Hall, beginning at 9:00 am. Click on the picture on the left to sign up or use the sheets in the lobby so we know how many to plan for.
There are also sign up sheets in the lobby as we are asking folks to bring something for the potluck.
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INTERNATIONAL DINING
Tuesday, March 28 will find us at Emidio's Restaurant, 8610 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs at 7 PM. Reservations are required. Please contact Milt Hill if you plan on joining the group.
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EASTER LILIES
Through Sunday, April 2, you will find an insert in your bulletin for donations for Easter Lilies. You can fill out this form to celebrate, honor or remember loved ones. Please note "Easter Lilies" on your check and designate if you wish to pick up your lilies on the form, and you may take it/them with you after Easter Services are complete.
Each of the Easter Service bulletins on April 9th will have an insert with all of the names of the honorees.
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FROM THE MCCLUSKEY FAMILY
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for helping me celebrate the life of my dad, Larry Steinmetz on March 4th. Every detail was perfect: the greeters who made our guests feel welcome, the extra effort to set up and serve communion, the service and the music, the wonderful reception by the Care and
Connect team that was full of delicious food, plus the many small
details that added so much to the day. The live stream of the service
enabled friends and family who couldn't travel to attend in real-time.
They truly appreciated that. What a gift!
But above all of this, thank you for being my rock and constant support for over 20 years. We’ve worshipped together, we’ve served alongside each other, you’ve helped raise my children, you welcomed my parents when they joined the church in 2005, and you have helped me celebrate their lives and their return to Heaven. Thank you, each of you, for being a part of our lives - the good, the sad, the dirty, the fun, and the bittersweet. I am thankful that I have each of you in my life!
With love and gratitude, Susan McCluskey and family
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CONGRATULATIONS!
We welcomed Natalie Noel Khan into the world on Tuesday, March 14th at 4:08 am. She was 8 lbs. and 12 ounces. The proud parents are Joe and Michelle (Brown) Khan.
The over the moon grandparents are Cindy and Peter Brown.
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E.B. NEEDS YOUR HELP!
The Easter Bunny is running low on eggs and asks, if you are able, to drop some pre-stuffed eggs by the church any time before Easter Sunday. Any amount you can bring would be helpful.
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STATIONS OF THE CROSS
This year for Good Friday, our very own Leslie Lady has hand crafted our stations of the cross out of fabric. We invite you to spend some time moving through the stations of the cross on Good Friday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. CLICK HERE to see a link to the whole set, which are featured on a website!
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FLOWER SIGN UPS!
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. 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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EASTER SPECIAL OFFERING
The Easter Offering, received by congregations on March 26 and April 2, 2023, supports several of the general ministries of the Christian Church. Your gift supports college students in leadership development programs, global mission partners, health and social service ministries, the formation of new congregations, support for pastors and chaplains, and so much more.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES | |
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THE GATHERING HOUR 9AM ON SUNDAY
"The Gathering Hour" - 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 an updated description of current classes.
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Please pray for Jim Torbert who is recovering from a health issue.
Prayers for Casey and Brandi Evans on the death of Brandi’s father, Sam Williams.
Please pray for Darlene Whitmire, daughter-in-law of Linda Whitmire, after a recent car accident.
Fran Michels would like prayers for her friends Winnie and Bill Northington, as Bill is struggling with major health issues.
Please continue to pray for Mary Robeck's niece, Jenny, and her husband Buddy as he is going through chemo and radiation.
Prayers for the family of Shawn Webster, Robyn Hicks' cousin, whose cancer has worsened.
Continued prayers for Mary Anne Posey and those who are supportive of her.
| 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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Laura Campbell March 25
Emily Leek March 26
Denise Shipman March 26
Angi Brown March 28
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Richard Walker March 28
Dennis Bramblett March 29
John Gilmore March 29
Harrison Brown March 31
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