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A NOTE FROM NATHAN
The season of Lent certainly resonates again this year, doesn’t it? Just about the time we finally catch a glimpse of the promised land, and the end of a global pandemic, a new global crisis has emerged as Russian forces invade their neighboring country of Ukraine. As we begin this 40-day journey, it seems we are moving straight from wandering in the wilderness with the Israelites, to spending time in the wilderness with Jesus, without any kind of reprieve in-between.
Although, we have learned from the last couple of years that while wilderness time is never easy, it does provide an opportunity – time for self-reflection, introspection and transformation. So, how can we spend time in this wilderness, reflecting on those ways in which our lives may at times be destructive, in order that we might be able to offer new life in the world? After all, while we certainly are not ruthless dictators, violently invading other countries unprovoked, we are all aware of the ways in which we are complicit in the sin of this world.
Are there ways in which we are taking advantage of the weak and poor? Do we have motivations that are grounded in greed or hunger for power or selfish gain? Have we participated in systems or relationships that bully? Have we lost sight of the collateral damage we cause in our relentless efforts to be right?
What’s happening in Ukraine is heart-breaking. We lament with the Ukrainians and pray for peace to come soon. Although, Jesus says that’s not enough. Or at least, that’s what millions of Christians heard spoken to them as we received ashes on our foreheads Wednesday night to begin the season of Lent: “Repent and believe the gospel!”
May we use these next 40 days to transform those “dead” places in our own lives into the resurrected body of the living Christ, beaming so bright against those powers in the world bringing about death and destruction, that we bear witness to every dark valley, barren desert, and bleak wilderness on the planet, the hope of our story: “He is risen. He is risen, indeed!”
Peace,
Nathan
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Facing DOUBT. Finding FAITH.
A Sermon Series for the Season of Lent
We all have doubts. They seem to be more frequent during times of crises -- which means many of us have had plenty the last couple of years. Does God actually exist? Are my prayers really heard? Why do bad things happen to good people? Is Jesus the ONLY way? Questions are not the enemy of faith. They are the path to a deeper faith. Let us journey the wilderness of this Lenten season, exploring our questions, that we might face our doubts and find a more meaningful faith. ~ Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 6, 2022 - Was Jesus Without Sin?
Luke 4:1-13
Sunday, March 13, 2022 - Does Prayer Really Work?
Luke 11:1-13
Sunday, March 20, 2022 - Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
Luke 13:1-9
Sunday, March 27, 2022 - Does God Have a Pronoun Preference?
Luke 13:31-35
Sunday, April 3, 2022 - Is Jesus the Only Way?
Romans 9:1-5
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NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION DEADLINE
If you have something for publishing in the newsletter next week, please submit it via email to: nathan@sandyspringscc.org by
10:00 am Wednesday morning.
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Join us Thursday, April 14, at 7:00 pm for our Maundy Thursday service in the sanctuary. | |
On Good Friday, April 15, we will have the stations of the cross on our SSCC church grounds. More details forthcoming. | |
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EASTER SCHEDULE:
Sunday, April 16, 2022
7:00 am Sunrise Service in the Whitmire Pavilion
9:00 am Easter Breakfast in Dunlap Hall
9:45 am Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn and playground
10:15 am Traditional Easter Service in the sanctuary
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LENTEN STUDY - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!
We will hold a virtual class based on the book Witness at the Cross (A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Friday) by Amy-Jill Levine. This course has been designed for a virtual platform (Zoom, in our case) and will be held on six consecutive Sunday nights at 5:00 pm beginning this Sunday, March 6th. Nathan Brown and Leslie Lady will facilitate.
“Amy-Jill Levine shows how the people at the cross each have distinct roles to play in the Gospels. For each, Jesus has a particular meaning and message and from each, we learn how those meanings and messages cross the centuries to any who would come to the cross today.”
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We hope you will be able to participate. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Leslie Lady at bwlady@bellsouth.net. | |
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SIGMA DELTA (Women's Group)
From Ann Walker, President, "Our next meeting is Wed., March 9, at 10.30 am in Common Ground (at the end of the hallway near the water fountains). When we are done, we will move to the conference room and I will provide lunch and Merilyn Dimmitt will bring dessert and decorations. We invite any new members or ladies of the church to attend. Just let me or Alice Villa know if you can come for so we know how many to plan for."
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TALENT SHOW MARCH 20TH!
Plan ahead to purchase your tickets for SSCC's Talent Show & Auction on Sunday, March 20th at 11:30 (following service).
Tickets are $10 each, which includes lunch and will be available Sunday, March 6th, 13th or via text reservation: 770-926-0131.
One of the items being auctioned is the piece (pictured here) by SSCC's own Kathy Woodworth. She began painting after her retirement about 20 years ago. Her paintings have been shown in galleries in the metro Atlanta area and been accepted in many juried shows. Kathy has generously donated two of her acrylic works for the auction. Campbell-Stone may not be the only one to benefit. Come and bid. You may be a winner too!
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REMEMBERING WALT MICHELS
As you all know by now, long time SSCC Member, Walt Michels, "set sail" to be with God on February 8, 2022. He was a beloved "voice" in our congregation.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sandy Springs Christian Church on July 31, 2022 at 2:30 p.m. Gifts of celebration may be made to Sandy Springs Christian Church Music Ministry, 301 Johnson Ferry Road NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328-1819, or at sandyspringscc.org. Please click the button below to read his story.
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YEAR END STATEMENTS
All Year-End 2021 Giving Statements were sent by email or hard copy. If you haven't received yours and you need one, email Kathryn AT accounting@sandyspringscc.org so she can send you one.
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CAMP REQUEST
Elizabeth Adrion is going to Camp Sunshine (for disabled adults) at Christmount Retreat, Camp and Conference Center in Black Mountain, NC, which is the national Disciples of Christ Conference Center. She is needing some assistance. This is a great time for her to get away, so anything you can do to help is appreciated. Christmont does offer a scholarship but it does not cover all of the costs.
If anyone in the church is willing to help her with the cost, please forward a check to: Christmount Christian Assembly, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC 28711-9771. Be sure to indicate your donation is for Elizabeth Adrion's camp fees.
Please call Dottie Gill if you have any questions, Tuesday through Saturday at: 770-714-6972, during the day.
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OUTREACH UPDATE
Do you have a servant heart? Have a suggestion for an outreach program or project? Would you like to help our community through SSCC Outreach? Contact Cindi McCollough - csbfish@bellsouth.net, 770-365-0365 text or call.
Food baskets and barrels are waiting in the church lobby for food donations and toiletries. Please bring in standard sized (not expired) canned goods, canned meats, non-perishable food items and toiletry items.
Consider requesting paper bags when shopping and then donate them to CAC. It is a great way to recycle!
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BAPTISM AND BELONGING CLASS
Lent is typically a time of preparation for baptism. In the Disciples tradition, we usually baptize children during the time of 3rd-6th grade. If your child is interested in exploring an Easter Baptism, we hope you'll consider joining us for our Baptism and Belonging class led by Rev. Nathan. Dates for our class will become available as we find a time that works best for the children involved.
This is really just a chance for your child to learn more about baptism. By coming to the class, by no means does that mean your child has to be baptized this year. We really want your child to feel comfortable and understand what it means before making such an important decision. Parents are also welcome to join us for the class. After the class, we can talk more about whether you all are ready for baptism on Easter Sunday. You can email Bryant & Katie at youth@sandyspringscc.org for more information or to secure a spot for your child.
Also, in the Disciples of Christ Church, if you haven't been baptized, you are always welcome. If you have questions about baptism. Please contact Rev. Nathan at nathan@sandyspringscc.org or call the church office.
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RE:LOOM IS BACK!
Sandy Springs Christian Church is resuming support for re:loom - a charitable organization in Dekalb County which we have supported for years. Their role is to employ and empower homeless and low-income women through weaving products from recycled materials. Re:loom welcomes donations of clean fabric (worn, stained, etc. is not a problem), scissors, sewing supplies, and more. they do not accept upholstery fabric. Please contact Milt Hill, 770-241-6435 or milthill@comcast.net with any questions. Donated goods may be dropped at our church in the basket in the supply room (next to the copy room).
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LOOKING FOR...
Carmen Santiago is looking for a dresser for her daughter Demarise. If you have one that you were thinking about donating, please reach out to her. You can call her at 404.992.8219 or email Csantiago070@gmail.com. She lives very close to church, and might need help getting it to her apartment.
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LET'S RECYCLE!
As you know, SSCC has the designation of being a Green Chalice Church from the DOC. You may have noticed we have placed scratch pads in the pews for the artists in attendance (so offering envelopes don't get doodled on). In addition we would appreciate recycling your bulletin and/or Welcome Card (if you didn't fill it out). We can actually reuse the Welcome Cards, saving not only trees, but money in copying costs. Thank you for your help!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES | |
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PLEASE JOIN US!
This Sunday please attend our class that will gather in the Conference Room at our normal time... 9:00-ish for socializing & refreshments then class begins around 9:15-ish.
This Sunday, I will be leading the group on part one of two of our discussion on chapter 5 from "The Walk" titled "Share: Gone Fishing, Reflecting Light". No reading necessary to attend class… purely optional! There will be a video to watch to help you with Cliff-notes of the chapter. We'd love to see, pray, worship, study and serve with you on Sunday morning for socializing, learning, discussion, & refreshments before Sunday worship!
All the best, Casey
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SIX-WEEK STUDY
Please join the Pathfinders Class at 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning in the Common Ground Room. We are currently in a six-week study of Galatians, facilitated by John Mills, using the book, Now That Faith Has Come: A Study of Galatians (2020) by Beth Moore and Melissa Moore.
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PRAYER REQUESTS AND THANK YOUs
Carolyn Dishman writes about her son-in-law, "Steve met with his Oncologist this morning and the last round of tests showed “NO MYELOMA DETECTED IN STEVE’S BONE MARROW OR BLOOD! Excellent full response to the treatment! HE’S IN REMISSION!" Thank you to you and everyone for all the prayers over all these months!
Donna Lassiter says, "Blessings and Thank You to everyone (all staff) for all you do!"
Prayers for the people of Ukraine.
CLICK HERE to see the list of our first responders and military members who we continue to pray for.
If you have any prayer requests or joys to share, please contact Teddy Ivey, Director of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org.
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Bryant Gibson March 01
Art Edwards March 02
Kate McKinney March 03
Kaitlin Kahrs March 04
Jeff Moore March 04
Joe Moore March 05
Anne Butz March 06
Steve Clark March 06
Elaine Donnelly March 06
Jordan Moore March 06
Sandie Reed March 07
Bunny Steinmetz March 11
Shelton Blackburn March 12
James Richard Torbert March 13
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Lauren Ivey March 18
Ann Walker March 19
Nathan Chimera March 21
Ryan Kahrs March 22
Dale Williamson March 23
Laura Campbell March 25
Emily Leek March 26
Denise Shipman March 26
Angela Brown March 28
Richard Walker March 28
Dennis Bramblett March 29
John Gilmore March 29
Harrison Brown March 31
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