A NOTE FROM NATHAN
As I write this, I’m experiencing a mix of emotions. Having witnessed our nation’s capital stormed by a group of armed rioters, inciting violence, vandalizing the symbol of our democracy and intimidating our elected officials, I’m struggling to find the words to fully capture how I feel. I think more than anything else, I’m simply heartbroken today. I know I’m not alone.
Although, I must confess that I’m not surprised. It seems like the inevitable conclusion to this election cycle. And not just this election cycle, but the culmination and confluence of many forces at play in this country over many, many years, leading us to this moment – a moment that puts our country on the brink of a choice. Will we continue down a road of division, perpetuating misinformation and seeking political gain at all costs? Or will we decide that we are not one another’s enemies, understand our competing ideas to be beneficial to the whole and finally recognize that we share more in common than we do in difference?
Of course, this choice is most important for people of faith. After all, as the Church, we are called to reflect the values of Jesus – to be a beacon on a hill, a light to the world. A light that reflects the love of neighbor as essential to our mission. A light that seeks unity in all things. A light that embraces the prayer, “thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
The good news is that we have a choice. The good news is that we can change our course. The good news is that God empowers us to lead God’s people toward a community of love. The good news is, as the Psalmist writes, “Weeping may linger through the night, but joy comes in the morning.”
So, what will we do in this coming year to be part of the resurrection not only of our country, but our entire world? Will we stop sharing social media posts that are solely aimed at division? Will we stop characterizing one another in a negative light just because we disagree? Will we stand up to those forces that seek to benefit those in power, at the expense of those on the margins? Will we follow Jesus first, above any other individual, affiliation or ideology?
It’s time. It’s time Sandy Springs Christian Church. Let’s choose, in this new year, to join together in not just praying, but embodying the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, living “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.”
Peace,
Nathan
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THIS SUNDAY
VIDEO WORSHIP
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Please note: Our HVAC contractors could not promise us that the heat in the Sanctuary will be fully repaired and operational by this Sunday. We have decided to have a recorded video service instead which will scheduled on our YouTube page for 10:15 AM. We apologize for the inconvenience, and look forward to being back together in the Sanctuary very soon. |
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January 10, 2021 - 10:15 AM
The Neverending Story
Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Dr. Nathan Brown
To view the video on our YouTube page, click here. |
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PRAYER REQUESTS
Prayers for Jeff Moore and Cathy Cortright at the passing of Cathy's mom, almost age 95. Cathy was grateful to have seen her in December.
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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CONGRATULATIONS!
Dirk and Barbara Huttenbach celebrated the birth of their seventh grandchild, Grant Sidford who was born April 2nd, 2020.
They were finally able to meet him this past November when Laura-Lee and Grant drove from New York City to visit.
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING NOTICE
On Sunday, January 24th, we will have our annual congregational meeting to approve the 2021 leadership slate and budget. This will also be a time to thank our leadership for an amazing year of ministry. If you are a member of SSCC, please stay after worship, in the sanctuary, for this brief but important meeting.
Also, if you can't attend in person, don't worry. This year we will have a hybrid meeting using live streaming and Zoom capabilities. More information to come. Please join us!
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INSTALLATION SUNDAY
On Sunday, January 31st, we will be officially installing our leadership for 2021 during worship. This is a time to pray for our shared ministry, to affirm those who have been called to serve and to acknowledge the transition of leadership that takes place from one year to the next.
If you are part of the Leadership Council, Eldership, Trustees, Diaconate and Sunday School teachers, we hope you can make it to worship either in person or virtually for your official installation. It's going to be an exciting year of ministry. Let's come out and support those who will lead us along the way!
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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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HELPING THE CAC
The CAC is in need of volunteers for the following shifts:
- Retail Store: M, W, F 9:30-11:45 and 11:45-2:00
- Donations/Pricing: M – F 9:30-11:30 and 11:30-1:30
Or you can work both shifts in a day. Eventually, they would like to be open M, W and F from 9:30-3:00, expanding the shifts to 9:30-12:30 and 12:30-3:30.
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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Claire Roper 1/1
Kappy Kelly 1/1
Lolly Ross 1/2
Alexander Leek 1/6
Merritt Jones 1/9
Kimbrell Teegarden 1/11
Tiffany Torbert 1/11
Debbie Lenz Clark 1/12
Jill Moore 1/12
Samantha French 1/14
Cindi McCollough 1/15
Greg Peterson 1/16
Mary Anne Posey 1/16
Catherine Armstrong-Asher 1/16
Hannah Grant 1/18
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Ferris Leslie 1/20
Lane Campbell 1/21
David Wolf* 1/21
James Hicks 1/23
Derrick Brown 1/24
Elizabeth Peterson 1/24
Sara Torbert 1/24
Clara Brown 1/24
Glorimary Diaz-Torres 1/24
Florene Fowler 1/25
Cordelia Rowell 1/25
Brad Norman 1/27
Thomas Grant 1/29
Francie Filacchione 1/29
August Lee 1/30
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