|
A NOTE FROM PASTOR NATHAN
The first quarter of this year has felt, well…. strange. For a while I could not put my finger on it. I knew things were different, but I just could not quite figure out the reason life was feeling odd. Then, one day it dawned on me. Life is returning to “normal.”
Don’t get me wrong – the world will never be the same. After the last two years, everything will forever be different. However, we are getting back to a more regular pace. We seem to be finding a new rhythm. No longer are we reacting to crises at every turn. Rather, once again, we are proactively planning. Nevertheless, it’s taking some getting used to.
Which is the reason, in my last SSCC Leadership report, I encouraged everyone to take a breath. After weathering the storm of the last two years, it’s important we pause and appreciate all that we have come through. It’s necessary we take a moment to give thanks to God for the circumstances in which we find ourselves within the life of our congregation. After all, consider the following:
In-person worship attendance is getting closer to pre-covid numbers. Overall engagement through in-person worship and our livestream is exponentially up. We had more pledged giving for 2022 than in the time I have been at SSCC. Overall giving has remained strong throughout the challenges we have faced, to the extent that we were able to pay off the $100,000 HVAC repair without a special campaign. TDS has come back stronger than ever with full enrollment, a wait list and strong financials. We have new members who are actively involved. We baptized seven young people on Easter Sunday. We will ordain Teddy Ivey later this summer. We are on track to complete the goals of our Visioning Plan by year's end. The overall spirit of our church community is positive. The momentum we had in 2019 is returning.
Come to think of it, perhaps things aren’t returning to normal. The truth is, at least based on my conversations with colleagues and an overall observation of church-life throughout our country, things are abnormal at SSCC. We are truly fortunate to have a congregation doing so well, considering all that we have been through.
Of course, that doesn’t mean we let up, or take a break from ministry. All of this is possible because of God’s grace, your love for SSCC and your deep commitment to the work of the church.
However, I am going to encourage you the same as I did our Leadership Council. Pause. Take a breath. Give thanks to God. Appreciate all that we have come through. Enjoy the new normal that is emerging. And, together, let’s enjoy discovering what’s next for SSCC!
Peace,
Nathan
| |
|
NOTE: THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED
Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.
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.
| |
|
In the lectionary readings, during the weeks following Easter, we encounter some extraordinary stories. The resurrected Jesus reveals himself to Thomas and the Disciples. Paul has his "Damascus Road Experience." Peter raises someone from the dead. During the Easter season we encounter several miraculous stories of new life. In the background of these stories, however, there are some seemingly ordinary people who often get overlooked. While we might not always notice them, their roles are essential in making new life possible. Join us as we spend one last time reflecting on how being ordinary can sometimes make possible the extraordinary.
May 22, 2022
Lydia
Acts 16:9-15
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
| |
|
UPCOMING STUDY – A HOUSE UNITED
June 1st, will begin our all-church study of the book “A House United” by Allen Hilton. In preparation for Allen’s return, we would like to spend time in small groups, in different locations and at different times, reconnecting with one another, while engaging this book.
Books are available at the church for $16.00 each which includes shipping and tax. We are trying to create small groups based on day/time preferences so please click on the link below to select yours.
| |
|
FOOD INSECURITY
If you or someone you know in our church community is facing food insecurity because of a decrease or loss in income, please privately contact Kendra Plotkin so that we can provide assistance to keep their pantry full. All information is kept in complete confidence. Please email kendra.plotkin@gmail.com.
| |
|
PLEASE VOLUNTEER AT CAC!
Happy May and thank you, again, for your help in serving our neighbors in need by volunteering to staff the CAC. Our next date THIS Saturday, May 21st. CLICK HERE for the link to sign up.
It is very important that if you sign up for a slot and are unable to make it, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE let Cindi know as soon as you are able. Your fellow volunteers and the clients are counting on you. Empty volunteer slots mean other folks have to work to fill the gap, stay later and possibly take double time slots. Thank you in advance for being mindful of this need.
Also, if you have not, please consider taking the OUTREACH SURVEY. We need your input. What projects, what agencies, and where do you want Outreach to help? Here's the link for a brief survey: 2022 SSCC Outreach Survey.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Cindi McCollough,
SSCC Outreach Chair, 770-365-0365. Thank you for your servant hearts.
| |
How & Where Outreach is Helping Our Community:
Our SSCC volunteers have provided volunteer support every 3rd Saturday at the client choice Food Pantry and Upscale Thrift Store at 8607 Roswell Road. The CAC recently held a ribbon cutting for the new Sandy Springs Food Pantry and offices. Outreach provided a 2021 capital campaign donation to assist with equipment with the new pantry. (See photos below).
Hearty sandwiches made by YOU after Sunday service were delivered for The Sandwich Project. Protein bars, snack crackers and personal care items were also delivered.
Brookhaven CC received financial support for toy and personal care kits for refugees through Inspiritus. We plan to host an Inspiritus presentation to our and neighbor DOC churches in the near future. More info to come!
Inspiritus Refugee Donations needed:
From Jennifer Garcia from Inspiritus writes, "We are reaching out to request clean and gently used strollers for our refugee and immigrant families! We are also accepting bicycles and diapers. Our case managers have seen a need for these items, so anything helps!"
You can drop off your donations on June 3rd from 2-4:30pm at 655 Village Sq. Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083 or she will have arrangements made pick up the donations depending on the location. Please call 678-852-8300 (mobile) if you have any questions and thank you for your donations!
| |
|
Upcoming Outreach events & projects:
May 21 & June 18 - 3rd Saturday, CAC Food Pantry & Thrift Store
June 26 - Sandwich making after church in Dunlap Hall
July 17 - Backpack stuffing & Pizza Party after church
| |
|
CHILDREN'S J.A.M. PARTY
We had a wonderful time at our end of the year party for children’s ministry. We had a glow-in-the-dark party with volleyball and over 500 glow sticks!
We also celebrated the ministry of Katie Gibson and are so grateful for her faithful service here at SSCC! Thank you also to Cindy Brown for providing lunch for our children.
| |
|
RECOGNIZING OUR GRADS!
We want to congratulate SSCC's 2022 graduates and recognize them in an upcoming worship service.
We know William Reese, Zach DeBrock, and Maisie Worley will be graduating high school, along with Bailey Mooney and Teddy Ivey from grad school.
If you know of any other graduates please send an email to amy@sandyspringscc.org. We want to include them as well. Thanks in advance!
| |
|
WE NEED YOU!
We are looking for some volunteers to help with AV/Sound during service on Sundays. We would like to be able to rotate more folks in and out. If you can push a button, you are qualified, and we will train you. (In addition, this counts towards HS Volunteer hours). Please reach out to Susan McCluskey, Leslie Lady or Amy Frost if you can help.
| |
|
GRIEF SHARE SUPPPORT GROUP
It you are experiencing grief, no matter what the loss that your journey entails, you are invited to participate in a new grief support group. The group will meet in Common Ground at the church, twice monthly, on the first and third Wednesdays, 10:00 -11:30 AM. Rev. Linda Whitmire will facilitate. If you are unable to participate at that time but feel you need grief support, contact Linda or Amy Frost (at the church office).
| |
|
NEW MEETING TIME
The Friday Morning Men's Group will be changing their meeting start time from 7:00 am to 8:00 am beginning Friday, May 27.
All gentlemen are invited to meet in the conference room for breakfast, fellowship and discussion. Contact Milt Hill if you have any questions.
| |
|
FLOWERS FOR THE SANCTUARY...
Are you looking for a way to commemorate/celebrate something or someone? Would you like to express your love or gratitude in a special way? AND beautify your church and our livestream at the same time? Well, we have just the thing!
| |
|
INTERNATIONAL DINING
The date and place for our May International Dining has finally been set. We will be meeting at 7 PM on Thursday, May 26 at Red Curry Thai Restaurant, 4724 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. It has been just over seven years since we last met at Red Curry. Please let Milt Hill know if you plan on joining us so that we can arrange enough seating for our group.
| |
|
SPECIAL PENTECOST OFFERING
By making a gift to the 2022 Pentecost Offering, on Sundays, May 29 and June 5, you can ensure that the new church movement continues to prosper in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Each year, half of these gifts go to your own region to support local new church development. The other half goes to New Church Ministry, which trains, equips, assists, and multiplies new church leaders across the United States and Canada through programs such as coaching, New Church Hacks, and Water the Plants.
Planning, nurturing, and sustaining new places of worship is part of the Disciples’ vision – participation in this Special Day Offering helps this vision come to life.
| |
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES | |
|
PLEASE JOIN US!
This coming Sunday, we will meet again in the Conference Room at 9:00ish for our final gathering until Summer Break begins! This week's discussion will be a mystery to you, but I can assure you it will be interesting and fun! I hope everyone is able to make it before we recess for the Summer! ~ Casey Evans and Teddy Ivey
| |
|
CURRENT STUDY
In Pathfinders for the next few weeks we will be studying the book "What Is the Bible?" by Rob Bell. In this book, Bell argues that an ancient library of poems, letters, and stories (i.e., the Bible) can transform the way you think and feel about everything, if only you will learn how to read it.
| |
|
JOYS AND PRAYER REQUESTS
From Dottie Gill, "Hello Friends; Elizabeth an I will be moving June 1, to a different place. Our apartment building was sold and we must move. This is a hard move, we are downsizing and going to much smaller accommodations. Please pray for an easy move and a nice transition for both of us and of course Toto. Thank you for your prayers."
Joy! For Teddy Ivey and all of our seniors graduating and moving into their next steps in this joy-filled world! ~ from Brandi and Casey Evans.
Continued prayers for peace on earth, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Israel and the United States.
Please pray for CJ Kennedy and his parents, Henry and Jessica. CJ is an adorable 11-month old who was diagnosed with liver cancer this week. He is Linda Whitmire's sister's great grandson. All are devastated.
Lynn and Allen McCahren request prayers for Gerald McCahren who is going through a time of medical problems.
Fran Michels requests prayers for her friend Bobbi Danner who is in Northside Hospital.
Linda Whitmire requests prayers for the family of Susan Whitmire Ott. Susan is Linda's oldest stepchild and died this week quietly at home.
Bob Hicks is home after his hip surgery. Please continue to pray for a smooth recovery and full healing.
Pray for Jim Torbert as he continues successful rehab at home. Feel free to send cards to the house with well wishes.
Please continue to pray for Bryant Hodgson as he continues rehab. Prayers for recovery and encouragement for good spirits are needed.
John Dalton sends his best to the entire congregation. He would certainly appreciate cards sent to his home address: 4975 Exodus Ct. Marietta, GA 30062.
CLICK HERE to see the list of our first responders and military members who we continue to pray for.
If you have any prayer requests or joys to share, please contact Teddy Ivey, Director of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
| |
|
Anslie Worley May 21
Owen Janeway May 22
Ruth Michels May 23
| |
|
Susan McCluskey May 25
Maisie Worley May 26
Michelle Brown Kahn May 30
Josie Worley May 31
| | | | |
