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A NOTE FROM NATHAN
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed these days. With change happening so quickly around us, impactful decisions being made at the highest levels of our government, traumatic events taking place both at home and abroad, it’s natural to feel apathetic, disillusioned, even altogether powerless. It's normal for us to think, "What can I possibly do?"
A colleague was recently describing being at a conference, during which the participants were expressing concerns about the events of Uvalde. People who represented many different sides of the complex issues raised by the proliferation of school shootings expressed feeling outraged, devastated and worn out. There was only one thing present in the room, among all the beliefs and opinions shared: paralyzing fear.
In the middle of their conversation, the facilitator had everyone stop and pause for a meditative time of silence. She then asked them to reflect on the positive things taking place in their lives, in that very moment – family celebrations, new or renewed friendships, exciting developments at work.
The facilitator asked, “What are the gifts and blessings you are experiencing in your life, even right here and now?” All of the sudden, the room shifted -- there was more gratitude than fear. She ended their time with, “Your blessings are just as real as your concerns. Never let one lose sight of the other.”
As people of faith, we live in an ongoing tension, in which multiple things are true at the same time. There are those living who are dead and those dying who are alive. There are circumstances in which safety means security, but also vulnerability. Faithfulness is lived both out front and behind the scenes.
However, when we try to make faithfulness black or white, red or blue, we paint one another into corners of immobility. Our response is to not just dig, but cement our heels in the ground. If we only see challenges without blessings, light without dark, we will never find a faithful path forward. If our vision of one another is myopic, rather than nuanced, singular rather than multifaceted, we will never be able to work together toward what is possible.
Which is the reason we need to be reminded that faith calls us to see beyond our news outlets and social media feeds, which attempt to simplify God's wonderfully complex creation. We are called to look past the dualism of our culture and notice the beautiful details of our world. Faith calls us to imagine a way forward that may not be evident at first glance, but upon further review can turn black, white, red and blue into a myriad of shades that transcend the color wheel. Dorothy says it's, “Somewhere over the rainbow.” Jesus says it's, “The Kingdom of God.”
It’s true, there is plenty about which to be concerned. It’s also true, there is plenty for which to be grateful. Don’t let one lose sight of the other, SSCC. Instead, let them both inform the way we work together to further the kingdom God is calling us to build, as we say on Sunday mornings, “from our doorsteps, to the ends of the earth.”
Peace,
Nathan
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CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, JULY 4TH.
In observance of Independence 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.
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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 through a series we are calling, “Dear Church,.”
Sunday, July 3, 2022
Feel Free to…
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, July 10, 2022
Hold on To Hope
Galatians 1:11-24
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Become a New Creation
Galatians 6:7-16
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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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 copy of Joanne Burgess' "Dear SSCC" letter she read to the congregation last Sunday. Click the button below to read it. We will include the letter from the previous week in the newsletter in case you missed it or want to read it again.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH MEMBERS
As many of you may know, several of our members have moved recently. We are updating their information in BREEZE as we get updates.
Please remember to check your profile in BREEZE (which you can access on your computer, tablet and/or phone) and update your information as needed.
If you have not yet logged into BREEZE or need help in any way, please contact Amy at the Church Office 404-256-2582.
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VOLUNTEER!
If you have any questions, please contact Cindi McCollough,
SSCC Outreach Chair, 770-365-0365. Thank you for your servant hearts.
CAC Urgent need of the month: Volunteers for client intake, check-in/check-out.
"Help clients get the assistance that they need! These are some our most REWARDING jobs - you get to help our clients directly and see the change you create in their lives.
Client Intake - meet with clients and see if they qualify for services; identify what documents they need; be a listening ear and a kind face.
Check-in (pantry) - greet clients at the food pantry; verify they are our client, or refer them to Hightower to register; keep record of their visit.
Check-out (pantry/thrift store) - keep track of assistance provided; record assistance in computer; run cash register (thrift store only)."
Contact: Cameron Darweesh, CAC Development Associate/Volunteer Coordinator carmeron.darweesh@ourcac.org or call 404-333-3591
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Upcoming Outreach events & projects:
July 16 - 3rd Saturday, CAC Food Pantry & Thrift Store
July 17 - Backpack stuffing for CAC & Pizza Party after church
TOOLS FOR SCHOOL: School Supplies Help Working Families
"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."
SSCC will, again, provide backpacks stuffed with school supplies for local high school seniors. Come help fill the packs and enjoy fellowship, pizza and soft drinks after the stuffing party.
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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.
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SSCC VBS IS COMING!
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!
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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 | |
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SUMMER BREAK!
Modern Disciples class is taking a Summer break and will return in August sometime. We hope you signed up for the book study on A House United by Allen Hilton.
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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.
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Pray for Mary Anne Posey's dear friends, Gayle and Fritz Rausckerberg as both are quite ill, and pray for her as she is helping prepare food for them.
Prayers for Florene Fowler's daughter, Tina, who broke her hip 6/25 and had surgery last Sunday to repair it.
Continued prayers for Scott Nesbit, Jeff Moore's brother-in-law.
Please pray for Patty French and her family after the death of her nephew, Cody Hauser.
Prayers for Carolyn Dishman's friends, Silvia and Gordon Hopper, who are currently in Amsterdam and Gordon is in the hospital there.
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, Robyn Hicks and Pete French. Also those serving in the military: Michelle Brown (Navy), daughter of Cindy and Pete Brown. 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.
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Alexandra Reese July 02
Larry Reese July 06
Tami Brown July 08
Becky Strickland July 09
Corey Lee July 11
Philip Rowell July 11
Alice Villa July 11
Kiera Bass July 13
Linda Whitmire July 13
Dottie Gill July 15
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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
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