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A NOTE FROM TERESA
Greetings,
The class I am taking now is a competency class that combines two areas of study, the field of research and mission. I’ve chosen to research the post-pandemic church and the changes that have occurred. I’ve looked closely at churches in general and what has happened here at Sandy Springs Christian church. Join me for Sunday school this Sunday, September 18th, at 9 am in Dunlap hall for a community class where we will explore the idea of the post-pandemic church.
Many religious authors have named this time the Post-COVID-19 World, and there is much speculation about how the church will survive this new time. Will churches continue to decline? Will virtual gatherings become the prominent way to worship and meet? Will attendance be talked about in terms of B.C (Before COVID)? Some experts say that many churches will see a 20 to 30% drop in attendance post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This pivotal time demands mission-focused congregants lest the church slip back into the busyness and nonmissional activities of the pre-COVID-19 past. We prepared to minister to communities amid the pandemic, and we are continuing to do so now that we are post-pandemic.
Christian Education has evolved during the pandemic and is developing now in this post-pandemic period. What are some of the ways you want to learn? What are some of the methods we are currently trying?
Come and explore the post-pandemic church. Hope to see you on Sunday.
Peace,
Teresa
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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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NEW SERMON SERIES STARTING SUNDAY | |
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Branching Out
A Sermon Series on Spiritual Growth
After being encouraged for so long to abide at home, we are finally able, once again, to venture out in the world. We’ve been making up for lost time. We’ve been traveling to see people we have missed. We’ve been going on vacations we put off. Once again, we are branching out in many aspects of our lives. Are we doing the same in our spiritual lives? Are we making up for lost time with our communities of faith? Are we letting go of things that are keeping us from a deeper relationship with God and one another? Are we branching out in ministry? During the next three weeks in worship, we will explore what it looks like today for the Church to grow in God’s Spirit, venture out in faith, and stretch toward a life lived in the light.
Sunday, September 18,2022
Stretching Toward the Light
Luke 16:1-13
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, September 24, 2022
Pruning for Fruit
Luke 16:19-31
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Abiding in the Vine
(World Communion Sunday)
John 15:1-8
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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COMMUNITY SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9/18
The COVID Pandemic is an event to be remembered for all the adaptive changes the world has made. Join us for Sunday School at 9:00 am on September 18th in Dunlap Hall as Teresa Bensch walks us through the changes that have taken place in churches as a result of the pandemic. Come learn how American Churches have adapted to the changes of the past two years as well as discuss the changes at Sandy Springs Christian Church.
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YOUTH LOCK-IN THIS SATURDAY
Our Youth Group (Kids grades 6th - 12th) will have a Lock In, tomorrow, Saturday, September 17th. The youth will meet in Dunlap Hall at 6:30 for games, snacks and fun until Sunday morning.
HELP PROVIDE A MEAL FOR YOUTH GROUP
If you have a youth-aged child, we would love to see you there! Caroline Grant has made a SignUp Genius to provide meals for the group each week (average 20-25 people). There are several ways you can help. You can help prepare the meals, send one via DoorDash, or just drop the prepared food off and Caroline will take care o the rest. Please sign up to volunteer to feed the group one Sunday evening by clicking the link below to find a date that works for you. It is always a joy to have members come join our youth group! Average 20-25/week 404-697-0317.
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OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES!
The Community Assistance Center (CAC) has a "Client Choice" Food Pantry and Thrift Store at 8607 Roswell Road where clients may shop for fresh and non-perishable food items, personal care items and lots of great clothing for the family at wonderful prices.
SSCC and Overcame Church staff each 3rd Saturday of the month of both the pantry and thrift store with volunteers who will: check-in clients, sort and stock foods & clothing, help with food & goods selections, bag items, and ring up clients orders.
Our next Saturday is TOMORROW, September 17th from 9 am - 1 pm.
Please share a few hours of your time to help our neighbors in need. Time slots and numbers of volunteers are listed in the sign up.
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Please stay after service on Sunday, September 18th, for a brief congregational meeting. We will vote on the changes to our constitution and by-laws, which have previously been sent via e-blast.
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JAM IS BACK FOR KIDS!
We will have our first JAM meeting of the school year on September 18th after worship in Dunlap Hall. All kids age 3 (preschool) - 5th grade are invited to join us as play games, eat lunch and have some fellowship together! Pickup will be at 1:30 on the playground.
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GUEST SPEAKER AND LUNCHEON
Following service on September 25th, we will have a Ukrainian themed luncheon in Dunlap Hall. The guest speaker will be Jennifer Garcia, from Inspiritus. Her presentation will be on how Disciples Churches are helping Afghan and Ukrainian refugees resettle in Atlanta.
The deadline to sign up is September 23rd at noon. We are asking for a $5 donation per person to help cover the cost. Hope to see you there!
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WHAT'S NEXT?
The Future of the Church – and the Church of the Future
The past two-plus years have posed tremendous challenges and change in the life of our churches. Many churches have adopted new strategies for being the church that are here to stay. A panel discussion, held last night, of five pastors from across the Christian Church in Georgia was led by Rev. Dr. Nathan Brown. They explored these questions: 1) What is working at my church? 2) What is the best idea we've implemented in recent years? and 3) What is God calling the church to be and do as we look ahead to the future?
Please click on the button below to listen to the discussion.
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A MESSAGE FROM CAROLYN ALLEN
"Dear SSCC Family:
Dick/Richard and I have always felt overcome with joy by your love, support and overall 'living your faith'. In recent weeks I have been bowled over by all of this and more. My sons and I thank each and every one of you for your thoughtfulness. If I try to individually thank you, I will surely leave out someone. The prayers, phone calls, food, memorial donations, flowers, cards, notes, etc. have lifted us up and will continue to do so for years to come. ~ Carolyn Allen"
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A NOTE FROM THE STEINMETZ/MCCLUSKEY FAMILY
"Last Saturday afternoon, as we sat in the sanctuary and celebrated my mom's life, the love and prayers from our church felt like a warm embrace. This church does so many things right and caring for our own is definitely one of them. To our dear church family, we cannot thank you enough for all of the support and love you have given us with the loss of Bunny. Thank you for the calls, cards, messages, and hugs, helping with the service and reception, and welcoming our extended family - it means more than we can ever fully express. With deepest gratitude and love, Larry, Susan, Tracey, Michael, and Emma"
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A BIG THANK YOU!
Together, we made a difference! Trees were trimmed, a Garden was planted, the Pit and the Pantry got reorganized, the Kitchen got a thorough cleaning, and so much more! Thank you to all who gave their time and effort to our recent all church workday. Our thanks to Jim Armstrong, Peter Brown, Tony Chimera, Cathy Cortright, William Cox, Caroline and Frances Grant, Benay Gunby, Tim Helton, Janis Hill, Phil Leek, Bryant and Nancy McDaniel, Sarah Money, Elizabeth and Gary Peterson, Michaela Scarborough, Denise Shipman, Jim and Marilyn Torbert, and Nancy Trusty for a job well done.
Thank you to Janis Hill and the Care and Connect team for the breakfast and waters, and thanks also to Phil Leek for helping coordinate the effort.
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REMEMBERING LOUISE "LOU" MINGUS
This week, we received a call to let the congregation know that, Louise Mingus passed away on Monday, Sept. 5th.
She and her husband Bob were long time members here at SSCC. After Bob passed away, Louise ended up moving in with her daughter, Suzanne and her husband Rick Phillips a few years ago in a suburb of Birmingham, AL. Suzanne and her brother, Robert and sister, Linda Smith have made arrangements for a small graveside service with the family in Alabama tomorrow.
If you would like to send a note, please address it to Suzanne and Rick Phillips, 1009 Vista Circle, Vestavia, AL 35216. Please keep the family in your prayers.
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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!
FOOD COLLECTION FOR CAC
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.
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PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED!
Are you one of those folks with a fancy new phone with an upgraded camera? Are you a budding photographer? Do you love taking pictures of everything, even selfies? Are you a fan of SSCC's events and special services? Then we would like to talk to you!
With all of the special events and services we have coming up, we often times fail to capture those special moments and people in photographs. If you are interested in just snapping a few photos (on a camera or cell phone) and sending them to the church, we would love to hear from you. Please Contact Amy at the church office. No previous experience required!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES | |
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UPDATE!
On 9/18/22, we will join Teresa Bensch in Dunlap Hall for her church-wide Sunday School lesson.
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CURRENT STUDY
On 9/18/22, we will join Teresa Bensch in Dunlap Hall for her church-wide Sunday School lesson.
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Dennis Bramblett is having an outpatient procedure on September 22nd. He and Joan request our prayers.
Continued prayers are requested for Scott and Amy Nesbit who are both challenged with serious health issues.
Prayers requested for Mary Anne Posey after a recent fall and hip surgery last Friday. She is recovering well and we pray that continues.
Prayers requested for Allen McCharen following a recent fall. He is currently recovering at home and receiving great care from Lynn.
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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 Rev. Teddy Ivey, Director of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
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Tim Dyke September 15
Kate Lee September 21
Katherine Gibson September 22 Madelyn Rathinam September 25 Jenna Hicks September 26
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Beverly Mitchell September 26
Teresa Bensch September 27
Becky Chimera September 29
Sid Elliott September 29
Marilyn Torbert September 29
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