A NOTE FROM NATHAN

A memorial service, a child dedication, and an ordination. Sounds like a movie title, doesn’t it? Instead, it was just another weekend in the life of Sandy Springs Christian Church. It was a weekend full of celebration. It was a weekend full of inspiration. It was a weekend full of emotion. For me, personally, it was a reminder of why I love the church.

During Teddy’s ordination service, I shared an experience I had with a youth group in a former congregation. I was asked to come and describe to these young people a week in the life of a pastor. Before diving into the details, however, I began by saying this:

“I have the greatest job on the planet. From where I stand, I get to see things that no one else gets to see—joy on the faces of parents having their child blessed and dedicated, peace on the faces of those who have passed to the great beyond, love in the hearts of those (despite their differences) worship and serve together in ministry, and generosity like you cannot imagine. Of course, I see the other side to these experiences as well: heartbreak, grief, resentment, and pain. But I get the privilege of being humbled every day, to stand beside those who invite me into the most vulnerable moments of their lives. And it’s the most humbling gift on this earth.” 

As I write this article, I still mean every word. For there is no greater gift than to see how the church truly makes a difference in the world.

There is nothing like experiencing a congregation care for a grieving family. There is nothing like hearing a congregation promise to care for and help raise a child. There is nothing like being part of a congregation that trains and calls servant leaders. There is nothing like helping congregants think theologically about the choices they make and what we see and experience in the world. There is nothing like getting goose bumps in a moving moment of worship. There is nothing like serving alongside a congregation that welcomes those who others shun and helps those who might otherwise fall through the cracks. There is nothing like being part of the church.

Don’t get me wrong. We are certainly not perfect. We make mistakes. There are times we get it wrong.

This last weekend, however, we got it right. We cared for one another. We promised to support and be there for one another. We encouraged and blessed one another. We were what the church is supposed to be.

When I got home on Sunday afternoon, Marion asked me, “How are you?” I said, “I’m exhausted. But it’s the best kind of exhausted one can be.”

Thank you, SSCC, for allowing me to lead you through it – not just this last weekend, but the overall journey of faith. Thank you for being a reminder of why I love the church.

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.

THIS SUNDAY

“I Never Said That”

                                              -Jesus 

Bumper stick theology is everywhere. Thus, it’s easy to fall back on it when times get tough. We have all found ourselves using it at one time or another. “Everything happens for a reason.” “God doesn’t give us more than we can handle.” “Heaven just needed another angel.” The problem is that most of these cliché’s Jesus never used, nor can they be found in the Bible. So, what did Jesus really say? What can we find in the Bible related to these commonly used phrases, if anything? We will spend the next four weeks in worship exploring these questions, among others, through a sermon series entitled, “I never said that.” - Jesus

Sunday, August 21, 2022

Money is the Root of All Evil

I Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19

Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown

Sunday, August 28, 2022

A House United

Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton

Sunday's message will envision how loving each other across our ideological differences is a big piece of being an agape people in our time — and how being able to do that shows us that we actually really truly love one another. Analogies will include marriage and friendship, where we only learn what unconditional love is when we run into the parts of our partner/friend that are hardest for us.

 _______________________________________________________

Sunday, September 3, 2022

Philemon...Why Not Onesimus?

Philemon 1:1-21

Bryant Gibson

NOTABLE DATES

A HOUSE UNITED WEEKEND

August 27^th and 28^th Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton returns to SSCC. Saturday there will be a social hour and BBQ for those who participated in the book study. Sunday there will be a Lunch and Learning in the Whitmire Pavilion immediately following service which will be led by Dr. Hilton. Call the church office to sign up, or click the link in the eblast that went out Wednesday.

SEPTEMBER INTERNATIONAL DINING

Hi International Dining Friends. Please pardon me for usurping Milt's usual role as International Dining organizer.

The September Dining Event will include a special celebration of Milt's birthday, at one of his international favorites, Emidio's Portuguese restaurant, 8610 Roswell Rd. #950, Sandy Springs, on Sunday, September 4th at 6 p.m.

Our family thought he would enjoy nothing more than to celebrate with you. Please no gifts--you will cover your own meal expense as usual and that is more than enough. As part of his gift, I am organizing this event (even though I am borrowing his list); therefore please text me at 770-926-0131 or email janishill@comcast.net no later than August 31st to confirm your attendance. Reservations are necessary. We sincerely hope to see you there.

SSCC ALL-CHURCH WORK DAY

All hands on deck! We are planning a work day at SSCC on Saturday, September 10th starting at a light continental breakfast at 8:30 am. We will be doing some grounds work, organizing, and also cleaning the kitchen. More details to come. 

DISCIPLES WOMEN'S RETREAT

Georgia Disciples Women are invited to gather in person for a fall retreat on September 23-25, 2022 at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA. In this beautiful seaside retreat setting, Disciples women will gather for fellowship, worship, learning, and service, guided by the theme “Let’s Fish or Cut Bait!” Keynoter Rev. Nancy Oliver will lead us through a creative exploration of the focus scriptures, Matthew 4:18-20 and John 21:1-14. Jesus called us to fish — for people! You will not want to miss these fishing lessons! Learn more and register here. Deadline is September 9th!

SSCC NOTABLES

CALLING ALL KEY FOBS!

If you or anyone in your family has a key fob to the building, we are asking that if you don't use it on a regular basis, or are not a group leader, please return it to the church office. We would greatly appreciate it.

OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY!

• Our 3rd Saturday at CAC Food Pantry and Thrift Store is TOMORROW, Saturday, August 20 at 8607 Roswell Road. Please click the link below to sign up.

• With rising food and fuel costs many families and individuals are struggling to make ends meet. Supplies are running low on food pantry shelves. Please bring items listed below for food collection barrels in the church lobby. No glass, please! Urgently needed: Pasta, Sauces, Dry Grains (Beans, Lentils and Rice), Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna and Chicken, Baby Food and Diapers sizes 0, 1, 5, 6.

CAC Needs Volunteers

If you have computer skills, office experience or just want to help, volunteers are needed in the Career Center; as client interviewers; Food Pantry volunteers and Upscale Thrift volunteers. Find more here: CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER!

NEW MEMBER!

We would like everyone to meet Mike Bradford. He joined SSCC on July 24, 2022, by a transfer of membership from First Christian Church Marietta. Please give him a warm SSCC welcome the next time you see him.

WEEK OF COMPASSION - FLOOD VICTIMS

Many of you have asked about how we might respond to those impacted by the flooding in Kentucky and throughout the Southeast recently. We have contacted Week of Compassion, the disaster relief arm of our denomination, to inquire about ways we might respond. Because the recovery efforts are so early, the best means to assist flood victims is by making financial contributions to Week of Compassion directly either online, or by mail to Week of Compassion, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis IN 46206. You can designate your gifts specifically to those impacted by the flood. There will likely be other ways to respond as the recovery efforts continue. Thank you for your care, compassion and generosity.

CONGRATULATIONS!

It is with great joy that we would like to introduce you to the DOC's newly ordained, Rev. Teddy Ivey.

Last Sunday, surrounded by family, friends and members, Teddy was ordained in our sanctuary. We certainly are proud of him and wish him a successful future.

CHILD DEDICATION

Last Sunday we held a child dedication for Hank Brooks Filacchione. Proud parents are Caroline and Tyler, grandparents are Scott and Chris Dalton and Patrick and Gail Fliacchione. Big sister Francie was on hand to give him a few pointers. 

MEET DEBORAH JACKSON

New in Accounting

Deborah is new to SSCC's staff and has replaced Gini Seely in the role of Financial Controller.

She is a native Atlantan, born in Duluth, graduating Chamblee High School and College at Georgia State University. She has been in public accounting for over forty years, and recently retired from a CPA firm in Sandy Springs after a sixteen year tenure. During those 40 years she had her own firm for 14 years but now works part time. She is very proud to be in service to our Church in her new role. 

She has one son, two wonderful grandchildren, and is looking forward to a great grandchild soon. She has resided at her home in Johns Creek for the past twenty years and hopes to live out her life there.  

Please feel free to contact her by email, payables@sandyspringscc.org, or through the Church telephone number. She is generally at the Church on Mondays or Tuesdays, and works from home otherwise. She is checking emails daily, and will respond as soon as possible.

SSCC'S NEW WEBSITE!

Click below to access the new website! Enjoy!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES

UPDATE!

This week's lesson about the Prodigal Son parable will be led by Jeff Moore. He has a special lesson prepared that will incorporate the two other parables in Luke 15, which are intertwined in their meaning and importance.

CURRENT STUDY

Join the Pathfinders in Common Ground at 9:00 am. They are currently discussing the book, "How to Read the Bible" by Rob Bell.

A THANK YOU AND PRAYER REQUESTS

Dawna Abel says, "Thank you for your prayers, Bob is improving and we are all so grateful."

Prayers for Amy Frost's sister-in-law who had a stent inserted into a main artery today.

Continued prayers for Jeff Moore's sister, Amy, and brother-in-law, Scott, both having serious medical issues.

Continued prayers for healing and recovery for Phillip McCollough, and for Cindi as she cares for him.

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.

Andy Torbert August 19

Kimberly French August 23

Suzanne Ruehman August 23

Brooks Torbert August 24

Lisa Berger-Gilmore August 25 Maggie Driemeyer August 26 Courtney Strickland August 28

Jay Donnelly August 30