A NOTE FROM NATHAN
It was about this time, four years ago, I was anxiously awaiting a phone call from Chuck Adams, SSCC’s president, about the results of the congregational meeting to call me as your next Senior Minister. I can remember being excited about coming to Sandy Springs Christian Church for several reasons -- the most intriguing being the opportunity to serve a congregation diverse in belief and thought, yet simultaneously committed to being one. I recall a member of the search committee describing SSCC something like: “We might not always agree, but we still love one another.”
So, when I was asked at a leadership retreat a couple of years ago about the vision I had for our congregation, I responded in kind. I said (to paraphrase), “In a world that continues to be more and more divided, I believe SSCC can model for others how to disagree and simultaneously remain committed to one another. I believe we can show the world what Jesus really means when he says, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Out of this exchange was born the idea for the Courageous Conversation goal of our visioning plan, which we take another step toward advancing this weekend.
The truth is advancing this goal, over the last couple of years, has not been easy for several reasons, not the least of which being we have not been able to spend much time, face to face, for the purpose of substantive conversation. After all, the hardest conversations are best had in-person. As a result, I’m excited about this weekend and the opportunity to pick this goal back up, with the help of Allen Hilton. If there ever was a time the world needed the church to model Jesus’ command to love your neighbor, it’s now.
In addition to hosting our Courageous Conversation event this weekend, we will acknowledge the 20th anniversary of 9/11. There are lots of images seared into our memories from that day. The one that stands out most for me is the photo of hundreds of people running away from the smoke bellowing out of the towers, while five firemen ran toward the burning buildings. I remember the courage of those who ran toward the chaos.
While we are certainly not doing anything close to running toward burning buildings this weekend, it does take courage to move in the direction most are not. In fact, our pace may be more of a slow walk than a sprint at this point. The spirit of what we are attempting, though, is similar. We are walking toward the chaos and conflict in our world with faith in a God who is bigger than our differences and in whom we are the one body of Christ.
Whether you are registered for the event, your schedule does not allow your participation or you are just not quite ready, please take a moment to read through the prep guide that Allen has provided us below for the actual courageous conversation on Sunday afternoon. You can click on the link beneath this article to access it. Also, if you have not registered for Saturday or Sunday, you can still attend the Sunday morning community Sunday School opportunity in Dunlap Hall, with Allen, to get a sense about what we are covering this weekend.
Almost four years later, I remain grateful to serve as your Senior Minister, Sandy Springs Christian Church, in part, because I have come to find the way in which the search committee described our congregation to be true: “We might not always agree, but we still love one another.”
See you this weekend.
Peace,
Nathan
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If you are signed up to attend our Sunday Courageous Conversation session, or are just plain interested in what we will be discussing Sunday after worship, click on the button below to view the prep guide for Sunday’s Courageous Conversation.
PLEASE NOTE: You need not prepare in any way to join the conversation on Sunday! Just bring your ears and voice, because we need all hands on deck.
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NOTE: Our new HVAC Contractors are working today on the AC compressor for the Sanctuary unit. It is our hope that the repairs will be completed for Sunday's service. |
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Sept. 12, 2021
"Sticking Together in a World Apart"
Romans 12:1-8
Dr. Allen Hilton
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To view the service this Sunday on our YouTube page, click here.
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Upcoming Sermon Series for our 2022 Stewardship Emphasis
Beginning September 19, 2021
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CAC CANNED FOOD DRIVE!
The orange and purple food barrels in the lobby are ready to hold your food donations for the CAC. Standard sized items are preferred as large, economy sized items are hard not easy to distribute or pack.
These are the most needed items:
spaghetti sauce, canned meats, protein drinks, cereals and oatmeal, condiments, cooking oils, regular & decaf instant coffees, rice, sugar, and salt.
Thrift Store: A Note from Debbie Olson,
"Hi Everyone. Time to schedule September! We’re entering our busy season... We’ll need extra hands on Monday, Sept 13, our re-set day so please let me know if you’ll be coming. It’s fun to be part of the transformation from summer to fall! And because of the $1 sale, clothes will NOT be on sale on Fabulous Friday in September."
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MUST MINISTRIES: MUST is always in need of food, clothing and hygiene products. Their most pressing hygiene product needs are travel-size shampoo and conditioner bottles. SSCC will have a bin in our welcome area for you to drop off. Our Outreach team will handle getting the items to MUST.
If you would like to donate and drop off items at MUST Ministries please CLICK HERE to access a flyer that outlines the most needed food items. The Marietta Donation Center address is 1280 Field Parkway, Marietta, 30066. Or, you can purchase much-needed food items from their Amazon.com wish list and they will be shipped straight to the Donation Center.
Finally, please start purchasing new toys for their upcoming Christmas Toy Drive. SSCC will be collecting toys (ages 0 to 18) during the month of November. More information will be forthcoming.
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TALENT SHOW UPDATE
Just a reminder....We’re still having a Talent Show and we still need you! The date and time is Saturday, October 16th, at 5:00. Remember that we are accepting “service” talent as well as the traditional kind. You are never too young or too old to participate! (Translation: Youth, we want you as well as our Octo- and Nonagenarians!) It’s definitely not too late to be thinking of what you could do.
So far, we have about a dozen people or groups signed up for services or performances.
Momentum is building and we are excited! Plan your contribution and then do one better: Go Ahead and tell us that you are planning to participate. At this point it’s not a firm commitment, but it will help motivate you and energize us! The firm deadline, TBA, will be in early October.
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WE NEED YOUR HELP
In August, we began having a worship leader for our service each week. The worship leader leads a call to worship, reads scripture, offers the call to giving and welcomes visitors. All the words are scripted for you, so there is nothing to prepare. We just need individuals willing to serve as worship leaders each week. Having one worship leader each week will help the staff plan worship, give uniformity to the worship experience and give individuals who enjoy leading worship the opportunity to sign up well in advance. If you'd like to sign up to be a worship leader, please click on the link below. You may sign up for a maximum of two Sundays, for now. Those who enjoy leading communion, offering pastoral prayers and preaching will continue to be recruited as they have been. If you have any questions, please reach out to the chair of Worship, Arts and Education, Stuart Michels, or Pastor Nathan.
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THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT?
Did you know you can download the Breeze app onto your phone and access SSCC Member Directory information right at your fingertips? You can download the app from the app store (for iphones and ipads) by CLICKING HERE. Please call the church office if you have any questions. |
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PATHFINDERS CLASS - UPDATE!
Whether you have questions, answers, both, or neither you can expect wide-ranging information, discussion, and support in the Path Finders’ class. Your ideas, experiences, and knowledge are all welcome. And, if you feel that you don’t have any ideas, experiences, or knowledge you’ll find more than you can imagine as part of this community. Check out our topic each week in the newsletter and plan to join us.
Join John Mills and the Pathfinders in person every Sunday morning in Common Ground at 9:00 am. We are conducting class in person only. No Zoom. This week we will be discussing the first three chapters of the Book of Revelation – the letters to the seven churches. For more information please contact John Mills.
NOTE: Pathfinders will attend Allen Hilton's 9:00 am class on 9/12 - which will be a review of Saturday's Courageous Conversations session.
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MODERN DISCIPLES - SEE NOTE BELOW
Our name, Modern Disciples, accurately reflects our mission to strive to live Christ-centered lives in this ever-changing modern world. We welcome you to visit our class no matter your age, your marital status or family make-up. If you are seeking to grow in your walk with Christ in a fun, casual setting, please consider joining us.
We meet in the Conference Room each Sunday at 9:00 AM and use video series, book discussions and service projects to grow spiritually, connect with one another and to serve others.
Last month, we started a new study called, "The Difficult Words of Jesus," based on the new book by Dr. Amy Jill Levine. You can learn more about the study by clicking the button below.
NOTE: Modern Disciples will attend Allen Hilton's 9:00 am class on 9/12 - which will be a review of Saturday's Courageous Conversations session.
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KID'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
Every Sunday at 9:00 am, kids age Preschool - 2nd grade will meet in the Leslie Classroom upstairs. Kids ages 3rd through 5th grade will meet downstairs in room 120.
They follow a new "Whirl" curriculum which includes games, lessons, arts and crafts and Bible study. The kids will have fun and learn all at the same time.
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PRAYER REQUESTS
AND A THANK YOU
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PRAYER REQUESTS AND A THANK YOU
"We would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful members of the SSCC congregation and staff. Thank you for all the well wishes, meals and care you all have expressed after Phillip's surgery. His PT and doctor have both said he is progressing very well. We appreciate your love and kindness."
Cindi & Phil McCollough
Larri Wolf asks for prayers for her mom, Linda Leininger, who is struggling with sarcoidosis of the lung. If you would like to send a card to Linda, her address is 220 W. South St., Tipton, IN 46072
Carol Argence and Joe Englert (visiting friends of the Robecks) ask for prayers for Hurricane Ida victims, especially those who are ill.
Please pray for our members and their families who serve as first responders and 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), Linda Whitmire's grand-daughter, Hayleigh Whitmire (Army) and Kathy Woodworth's step grandson Parker Mansel (Marines). 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 would like to reach out to Teddy Ivey, our Director of Congregational Care, please email him at Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
JOIN SSCC!
You can join SSCC by a simple affirmation of faith! If you are attending virtually, just let us know you would like to join!
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Trenton Brown Sept. 09
Floy Mills Sept. 09
Kenneth Strahm Sept. 09
Megan Kahrs Sept. 10
John Robeck Sept. 10
Victoria Smith Sept. 10
Kelley Rathinam Sept. 13
Tim Dyke Sept. 15
Kate Lee Sept. 21
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Katie Gibson Sept. 22
Madelyn Rathinam Sept. 25
Jenna Hicks Sept. 26
Beverly Mitchell Sept. 26
Teresa Bensch Sept. 27
Becky Chimera Sept. 29
Sid Elliott Sept. 29
Marilyn Torbert Sept. 29
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