A NOTE FROM TEDDY IVEY
About ten years ago, I began to feel a call to ministry. Like many, I buried this feeling as foolish and one I had no interest in at the time. However, the whisper became louder to the point where it could no longer be ignored. While I had accepted the idea that God may be pushing me towards this life in ministry, I had not yet found my way to the Disciples of Christ.
If I am being honest, I was purposefully not attending a Disciples church as I remained stubborn in my search for my own path outside that of my mother and father. As my wife Lauren and I searched for churches in the area, we finally gave in and visited a DOC congregation. There were many things that kept us returning to SSCC. Nathan not only remembered us on our second visit, but recalled impressive details weeks later, making sure to speak with us before every service to follow. After our information was given to the Modern Disciples group, Jenna Hicks and Betsy Robinson reached out, answered our many questions, and made sure we felt welcome inside and outside the church building. And when our daughter Emily was born, we received emails, gifts, flowers, and meals from too many members to list, even in the midst of a pandemic. Countless other cards, favors, and smiles have been shared, each making a difference in our lives.
We have felt nothing but care from this congregation since our first visit. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for our family to be under the care of this congregation as we move forward in the discernment process for ordained ministry in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Even in the few weeks since we decided to take this step as a family, we have felt the love and support of this congregation. While it may be my name that is put forward to the commission on ministry for the region, this is a journey that Lauren and Emily will take with me, and I hope you all will join as well. I cannot imagine a more perfect place to explore God’s call for our lives in ministry. I very much look forward to the journey and will be forever grateful to you all for walking beside us.
Peace,
Teddy Ivey
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Leadership recently approved Teddy Ivey to come under care of Sandy Springs Christian Church as he begins the ordination process in the Georgia Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Teddy is in seminary at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer. Next year he will graduate with his M.DIV. An SSCC ordination committee will be forming to support Teddy during his process over the course of the next year. Let’s continue to keep Teddy, Lauren and Emily in our prayers as they move through this meaningful time of their lives. |
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THIS SUNDAY
WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY AND LIVESTREAM
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Sandy Springs Christian Church
2020 Advent Worship Schedule
It’s going to be a strange Advent season this year, not being able to sing in worship our favorite Christmas hymns. Sure, we can listen to others sing them and play them instrumentally. We, ourselves, can even hum or vocalize them in the car or in the shower. It’s not the same. It’s going to be a quieter Christmas season. There will be more than one silent night. Which, believe it or not, is in step with the tradition of many churches, even before this year. Many congregations refrain from singing Christmas songs until Christmas day. They lay in wait, in darkness and absence, yearning for light and presence, before celebrating with song. Perhaps this is the reason Advent seems to ring more true this year than others. Haven’t we been waiting in silence throughout 2020? Let’s come together this Advent season, quietly awaiting the light of the world to come once again, and, as result, appreciating even more this amazing gift.
December 13, 2020 - 10:15 AM - Sanctuary
What Are We Waiting For?
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
To view the livestream on our YouTube page, click here. _________________________________________________
December 20, 2020 - 10:15 AM - Sanctuary
NOT Left Behind
Luke 1:26-38
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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We hope you will join us for in-person worship in the sanctuary. Our team has worked on the logistics of in-person worship to comply with the guidelines which you can review by clicking on the button below. Also, if you have not already, please click on the button below to watch the video by the Leek children explaining our new safety rules.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING
The Christmas Offering will be taken up December 13th and 20th which supports regional ministries. In 32 regions across the United States and Canada, ministers are nurtured and congregations are provided opportunities for work and worship. Often recognized for the ministries of camps and conferences, regions also play a critical role in the preparation and authorization of ministerial ordination. Both are key to church leadership and development. Regions partner with congregations to support the work required to call a new minister.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
Please continue to pray for Sharon Hanna Nickelson, husband Steve and daughter Kelly as Sharon continues in Hospice at home. Her address is 2503 Shady Grove Rd., Carrollton, GA 30116, if you would like to send cards.
Prayers for Margaret, Ginger Frost Russel's mom and the family as she finishes up chemotherapy treatment.
Jeff Mathews requests prayers for his sister Susan Campbell. She is back in the hospital with complications from the cancer she is fighting.
Please pray for our members and their families who serve as first responders and health care workers: Dr. Tim Helton, Katie Gibson, Tracey McCluskey, Dr. Vijay Rathinam and Pete French. Also those serving in the military: Derrick Brown (Army) and Michelle Brown (Navy), children 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) and Dalton Brown (Army) granddaughter and grandson of Barb Duren and Chaplain Kevin Mooney (Navy). If we are missing someone, please let us know so that we can include their name in our weekly prayers.
JOIN SSCC!
You can join SSCC by a simple affirmation of faith anytime! If you want to join during this virtual time, just let us know you would like to join!
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STEWARDSHIP REMINDER
Dear SSCC,
We want to thank you for your ongoing support of Sandy Springs Christian Church. We concluded our stewardship campaign, blessing and dedicating our commitments for the coming year during worship.
If you have not yet, please take a moment to fill out your electronic estimate of giving form. For your convenience, we have included a link to the form below. Simply click on the button. You may also call the church office or email Kathryn at accounting@sandyspringscc.org. Each and every one of us have come into the life of Sandy Springs Christian Church for this time. May we use our gifts in the coming year to continue our ministry in new and exciting ways. Again, thank you for your generosity. Have a wonderful holiday season.
In Gratitude,
Caroline and Rusty Grant
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December 20, 2020
6:00 PM
Sanctuary
Blue Christmas Worship
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
2020 has certainly brought a great deal of grief into our lives. That grief can be particularly hard as we approach the holiday season. If the Christmas season is bringing you sadness this year, join us for our Blue Christmas service on December 20th at 6:00 pm led by Pastor Nathan. Come and feel God's love and healing.
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December 24, 2020
6:00 PM
Outdoors
Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship
Luke 2:1-20
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Our annual Candlelight Christmas Eve service will look a little different this year. We are planning an outdoor service on Thursday, December 24th at 6:00 PM. The service will take place on the the Abernathy side of the building. We hope it to be a beautiful candlelight celebration of the birth of Jesus that will be safe for everyone.
Given the increased number of families experiencing food insecurity at this time, this year's Christmas Eve offering will be designated to MUST Ministries. MUST Neighborhood Pantries give away over a ton of food a day to those in need.
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH NEWS
What an exciting time for our children and youth! Despite our challenges, we’ve had some wonderful activities together. This past Sunday, our children had our Zoom visit with Santa, including special gifts delivered by some elves from our congregation (thank you!). The kids had so much fun reading a story, doing crafts, having cookies and hot cocoa, and spending some time with the big guy to discuss gifts. Check out below for some pictures of the event.
We have also started back with Children’s Worship in Dunlap Hall each Sunday during the service. We are making sure to follow safety guidelines and social distancing, but it is so nice to see our children worshipping together again!
Our youth wanted to focus on service during Thanksgiving and brought blessing bags for the congregation. We will have a table set up outside after the service for anybody that would like to take one to give to someone in need. This Sunday we will have our Annual Youth Christmas Party at the church, and although it will look different with our safety guidelines, we are excited to celebrate by making gingerbread houses and having a white elephant gift exchange.
We are so proud of all of our children and youth and the ways they continue to grow together with God! We look forward to 2021!
Bryant and Katie
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A SPECIAL VIDEO MESSAGE
from Allen Hilton - Courageous Conversation
As a follow up to our Courageous Conversation Weekend held last month, we finally have the video session from Saturday for you to watch, if you missed it. Allen was kind enough to record the content and send to us for our use. We hope you will take some time to watch it and learn more about our Vision at SSCC, to be a congregation that embodies and models more courageous conversation for the world!
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IMPORTANT! WE NEED GIFTS FOR CAMPBELL STONE RESIDENTS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY
We are collecting gifts through December 23rd for the residents of Campbell-Stone Sandy Springs for the lunch party on Christmas day for residents staying at the apartments that day that have no visitors. They are expecting an increase in the number of attendees due to Covid.
Please wrap and mark your gifts for male, female, or either (usually there are more ladies than gentlemen). Gift ideas would be those like you would give your grandparents: gloves, scarves, soap, shampoo, notecards & stamps, large print puzzle books, toiletries, etc., (no candles please). Place your gifts in the baskets on the Mission Cabinet up to the Wednesday before Christmas. Contact Barb Duren or Amy Frost if you have any questions.
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POINSETTIAS FOR SSCC
Please sign up to donate a poinsettia in celebration or memory of a family member, friend or loved one. Suggested donation is $10.00. You can mail a check to the church, or go to our website and enter your donation there. Please mark your donations "Poinsettias.” Enter your information in the COMMENTS section and simply indicate the name of the one(s) you are honoring, along with whether you are celebrating or remembering each individual. You may sign up multiple names. We will then publish a list and include it in the newsletter. We will also email the list closer to Christmas. The deadline to sign up is December 18, 2020. Thank you in advance!
Currently we have poinsettias for the following families: Prescott, Evans, Peterson, Gill, Burgess, Blackburn, and Gunby. If you have sent in a donation and don't see your name here, please email amy@sandyspringscc.org.
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SSCC STAFF GIFTS
As in past years, we would like to present our incredible staff with a special acknowledgement of our appreciation for all that they do and all that they’ve done this year.
If you would like to contribute to this effort, please place your gift in the offering plate, drop it by or mail it to the church, or donate online. Be sure to indicate that the funds donated should be directed “Staff Christmas.” Please submit your contributions by Tuesday, December 15th so that gifts can be distributed to the staff on Sunday, December 20th, just in time for Christmas.
Thank you, John Mills and Bryant McDaniel
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FIRST EVER TDS VIRTUAL BOOKFAIR
The Day School has partnered with Usborne Books to help make your Holiday shopping easier from he comfort of your own home. These AMAZING and high-quality books will be available to our WHOLE TDS/SSCC community, so feel free to share this link with your friends and family. Usborne will give our Friends Foundation a percentage of all purchases. There is a ZOOM story time as well as an on-line Sqweee event. Click the image or button below for full details and access to all of the FUN LINKS! Usborne Books has books for children of ALL ages, so share this information with friends and family and help make this a successful fund raiser for our Friends Foundation.
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A NEW WAY TO SUPPORT HOMESTRETCH
As SSCC has been a supporter of HomeStretch in the past, we wanted to let you know of another way you can help out. They are starting a Memorial Brick Campaign. Your sponsorship will help to support their mission while leaving your permanent mark of support on the walkway leading to their new Learning Lab on the Millbrook property. For more information, please click the button below.
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IMAGINING A NEW WORLD - An Advent Devotional
by Terri Hord Owens
Dare we imagine a new world? In this new daily devotional for the four weeks of Advent, Terri Hord Owens, leader of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination, delves into the Advent lectionary texts to reflect on God’s vision for the world and how we might find the courage to imagine, the permission to change, and the freedom to fear no more.
Print copies are sold out. Digital delivery and ebooks still available.
Receive four weekly emails via Constant Contact with the coming week’s daily devotions beginning Saturday, Nov. 28. To subscribe visit www.chalicepress.com.
Ebook available wherever you buy ebooks.
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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Just a reminder that the Church office will be staffed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 am - 1:00 pm.
We are also retrieving phone messages remotely each day as well. So feel free to call the church if you need anything or email Amy@sandyspringscc.org if you wish. |
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DOING MINISTRY DIFFERENTLY |
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UPDATE FROM OUTREACH
HELPING THE CAC: The CAC has seen increased requests for food for the pantry. Let's help our neighbors, from young to senior citizens, have the food and nutrition they need for the coming weeks and months. Collection barrels will be in the Church lobby and items may be dropped off during church office hours (Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays 9:30 am - 1:00 pm) or on Sundays.
The CAC Food Pantry is requesting donations of:
Canned meats, rice, pasta, and canned fruits and vegetables, small bottles of cooking oil, shortening, toilet paper, paper towels, small bottles or pods of laundry detergent, and anything that you might consider a special holiday food. There’s an urgent need for: canned tuna, sardines, and cereal.
If you have any questions, please contact Cindi McCollough via email -csbfish@bellsouth.net or cell 770-365-0365.
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FOOD INSECURITY: If you or someone you know in our church community are facing food insecurity because of a decrease or loss in income, please privately contact Jenna Hicks so that we can provide assistance to keep your pantry full. Email jennakhicks@gmail.com or call 404-441-1668.
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MUST MINISTIRES: If you would like to donate and drop off items please CLICK HERE to access a flyer that outlines the most needed items. Monetary donations are very much needed and can be done so online via their website, or send a check in the mail to MUST Ministries, P.O. Box 1717, Marietta, GA 30061.If you have questions please contact Cathy Cortright at cortright13@gmail.com.
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SUBMITTING PRAYER AND CONGREGATIONAL CARE REQUESTS
Due to the fact that we are holding "virtual" church service, and are not able to submit prayer requests, feel free to reach out to Merilyn Dimmit, Congregational Care, via Merilyn@sandyspringscc.org or call her at 770-448-8784 and leave a message. Please indicate if your prayer request is confidential (for Clergy/Elders only or for congregational sharing in our newsletter).
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CONNECT WITH OTHERS
SSCC has subscribed to zoom for anyone who might need it to virtually meet using a video conference method. Only one group can use our account at a time. If you would like your group to use zoom to virtually meet, please contact Amy Frost via email (amy@sandyspringscc.org) to schedule your group on the calendar. We can help you learn how to send an invite to your group.
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Bryant Hodgson 12/03
Blake Turner 12/05
Kendra Plotkin 12/07
Caroline Money Grant 12/07
Larri Wolf 12/10
Niki Norman 12/10
Haleigh Mason 12/12
Laura Prescott 12/13
Elinor Tollman 12/15
Lorelei Lee 12/15
Kyle Norman 12/15
Presley Campbell 12/18
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Jonah Mills 12/18
Jared Mills 12/18
Tim Dalrymple 12/18
Evan Brown 12/20
Daniel Kahrs 12/20
Lorelei McGahee 12/21
Elizabeth Adrion12/22
Dianne Almand 12/24
Julie Sanford 12/27
Vicente Turner 12/28
Janelle Hicks 12/29
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