November 5, 2020
Last week, I wrote about the kickoff to our 2021 Stewardship Season, which this year is an invitation to focus on the ways we have been and are being the church together. Our “We are the church” campaign is a recognition of the fact that despite these strange and uncertain days, St. Simons Presbyterian has never wavered in our commitment to being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ here in Glynn County and beyond. This year, because of your generosity, we have been able to:

  • Distribute over $130k in direct relief grants to over 330 individuals and families in Glynn County as part of our COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.
  • Partnered with another local congregation to purchase and prepare nearly 2,500 reusable face masks for students in the Glynn County School system beginning the 2020-21 school year.
  • Organized spiritual care for church members and friends struggling with feelings of loneliness, grief, and isolation through the creation of the “Hands and Heart” ministry, neighborhood care groups, Presby-Pals, a grief group, and regular pastoral care outreach.
  • Prepared 220 boxes of food to low-income students and families at the outset of the pandemic through the Hunger Action Team. 
  • Crafted weekly online worship and Christian Education for over six months followed by the launching of both livestream and in-person worship options. 

None of this would be possible without YOU, and with your support we hope to continue this faithful ministry together in the year to come. Click here for more information about how you can help make that vision possible. We will dedicate all of our gifts of time, talent, and resources as part of our worship on November 15. 

Finally, let us all continue praying for our nation and world. As I wrote in my message to the congregation on Tuesday, our call as followers of Jesus Christ is clear: to be gentle, to be humble, to bear with one another in love, and, in all things, to remember that there is but one God who is over all and through all and in all things. (Eph. 4:1-6)
 
See you Sunday.

Peace,
Rev. Alan Dyer
Pastor
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November 1, 2020
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Musical Notes
 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9   

Growing up, I remember my mom saying to the three of us, “All I want is a little peace and quiet.” We were pretty active and loud especially when we were inside because of bad weather. I can’t imagine what these past eight months have been like for parents of school age children. Even those of us with adult children have wished for peace and quiet!  Families everywhere are constantly peacemakers within their own homes if they want to get some “peace and quiet.”  Meanwhile, the world at large is anything but at peace. Sunday’s music is directed toward asking for and having the inner peace that comes with belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.   

Dona Nobis Pacem, hymn number 752 in Glory to God, is a well-known tune among choristers everywhere. Our service will open with choir members leading the congregation in a round.  Dona Nobis Pacem is part of the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) section of the Roman Catholic Mass and in parts of reformed worship, as well. “Grant us peace” has been set to many tunes, but this is the one that children and youth learn to sing.  When rounds are sung, harmony suddenly happens as a result – introducing the skill of singing in parts.   
The Chancel Choir Ensemble will offer It is Well With My Soul in an arrangement by John Ness Beck. The original hymn was written by Horatio Spafford who was inspired by great tragedy in his life. Losing his daughters to a shipwreck and then his son to illness, he was a broken man. The words speak to us today in our current circumstances:   
 
When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul. It is well with my soul.   
  
Our hymn of praise is 610 O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing which speaks of the name of Jesus taking away our fears and sorrows, allowing everyone to hear, and bringing life and health and peace.   
 
Psalm 122 is a prayer of peace written by David.   
I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together. That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel. There the thrones for judgment stand, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity. – The NIV Study Bible 
 
Love, Peace, and Gratitude,  
Rhonda 
The Week Ahead
Sunday, November 8th
8:30 am Live Stream Worship - Online
9:00 am Combined Sunday School - Zoom
9:00 am Britt Class - Online
10:30 am Confirmation Sunday - Frederica Academy
10:30 am Outdoor Worship - Frederica Academy 
6:30 pm Youth Gathering -Location Varies

Monday, November 9th
10:00 am Chancel Ensemble - Location Varies 
6:30 pm Ladies of the Night Circle - Zoom

Tuesday, November 10th
9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room
10:00 am One-derful Morning Glories Circle- Zoom
12:00 pm Lunch Bunch Circle - Alex Binkney’s Yard
2:00 pm Circle of Esther - Location Varies

Wednesday, November 11th
10:00 am Men’s Bible Study - Zoom
1:30 pm Hands & Heart Quilting Ministry - Youth Suite
4:00 pm KidZ Crew - Veranda
7:00 pm Chancel Ringers - Social Hall

Thursday, November 12th
10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - 218 Kings Way
10:00 am Grief Group - Upper Room

Friday, November 13th
No Activities Scheduled for this Day

Saturday, November 14th
4:30 pm TSN a Meal with Friends - Indigo Coastal Shanty
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