A LETTER FROM RUSTY GRANT

SSCC Family,

I have a confession to make. When Caroline and I first came to Sandy Springs Christian Church, it was strange for me. It was different from every other church I'd ever attended. It took a little getting used to. Now, as we approach nearly a decade of calling SSCC our church home, I can confidently say it is that "difference" that has kept us coming back.

It is also that difference that has led me to accept the position of President of the Leadership Council for the coming year. When Nathan asked me about serving as President, I knew I had to answer the call. Having served as Vice President last year under John Mills, I am well aware of the big shoes I have to fill. John's leadership during unusual and unprecedented times was remarkable. Thank you, John, and thank you SSCC for trusting me to follow in his footsteps.

As we move into this new chapter, I am excited for the things to come. This year we will install an incredible slate of new leaders, elders and deacons, complete our visiting goals, and look to start a capital campaign for our facility. I look forward to serving with each of you. On February 12, we will hold our leadership retreat. Our theme is "Reboot," and I think we can all agree that now is a perfect time to reboot and renew our faith and commitment to this ministry. 

I am also very excited to welcome new members from a fellow Disciples congregation, Peachtree Corners Christian Church. This is particularly meaningful for my family as it was actually Caroline's father, fellow SSCC member Tom Money, who started Peachtree Corners Christian Church (then known as Kirk of the Corners) in 1985. He returned to serve as interim pastor in 2005 and 2006. Frances was a newborn, and our young family attended service there to watch him preach. This Sunday, welcoming these folks officially to SSCC, will be a full-circle moment for all of us.

This church is amazing, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve for and with each of you in the coming year. God bless you.

Rusty

SPECIAL CELEBRATION THIS SUNDAY!

This Sunday we are celebrating the legacy of Peachtree Corners Christian Church and welcoming several of their congregants, officially, into membership at SSCC. Please join us for a reception in Dunlap Hall immediately following the service, hosted by our Care and Connect Team.

SERMON SERIES

Glow

A Sermon Series for the season of Epiphany

by Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown

“You are the light of the world” -- that’s what Jesus says, according to Matthew 5:14. He doesn’t say, “you should,” or “you could” or “you can.” No, he says, “You are the light of the world," which means we glow. Each and every one of us emanates light. Yes, sometimes we forget. Sometimes we fail to recognize it. Sometimes we have a hard time trusting it. Perhaps we are not putting it under a bushel basket, but sometimes we do try to hide it. So, during this season of light, we call Epiphany, let us spend some time in worship

reflecting on how we might spend less time living in woe and start learning

to embrace our glow.

February 6, 2022

Follow the Light

Luke 4:21-30

February 13, 2022

Trust the Light

Luke 5:1-11

February 20, 2022

Woe or Glow?

Luke 6:17-26

IMPORTANT DATES

NEWSLETTER SUBMISSION DEADLINE

If you have something for publishing in the newsletter, please submit it via email to: amy@sandysprings.org by 10:00 Thursday mornings.

SAVE THE DATE!

Greetings SSCC Leadership,

The SSCC annual leadership retreat will take place on Saturday, February 12th at Sandy Springs Christian Church. Save the date now! We will meet in the Leslie Classroom. If you haven't already RSVP'd to the email we sent, please do so we can know how many attendees to plan for.

Once again, thank you for agreeing to take on your respective leadership roles. I look forward to serving with each of you in 2022!

Peace,

Nathan

INTRO TO SSCC LUNCHEON

If you have been visiting Sandy Springs Christian Church we hope that you have found your time with us meaningful and that you are beginning to feel a sense of belonging. Our Care and Connect team will host a special “Intro to Sandy Springs Christian Church” luncheon on Sunday, February 13th following worship, in the Leslie Classroom.

This is an opportunity to learn more about the ministry of Sandy Springs Christian Church, to meet some of our leadership and to ask questions you might have. The luncheon will be relaxed and informal. If you are considering church membership, want to become more involved or are simply interested in learning more about SSCC, this is a great opportunity.

Lunch will be provided at no cost to you and your family. If you are interested or have questions, please reach out to Janis Hill at janishill@comcast.net. If you would like to RSVP to the luncheon, please email amy@sandyspringscc.org.

TWO NEW STUDIES

We have sung, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World,” and “We Three Kings.” Before we know it, it will be Palm Sunday and we will sing, “All Glory, Laud, and Honor,” followed by “When I Survey the Wonderous Cross,” and then “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” Between Epiphany and Palm Sunday, the church commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert reflecting on his faith, his values, his life, and ultimate death. During this time, it has been an SSCC tradition to offer a special study for personal reflection on our own faith and values. This year, we are excited to offer two.

We hope you will be able to participate in one or both. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Leslie Lady at bwlady@bellsouth.net. The closer we walk beside Jesus to the Cross, the louder our voices will proclaim, “He is risen; he is risen indeed!”

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS UPDATES

PLEASE JOIN US!

Attention Modern Disciples Sunday School Fans (and Soon-to-be Fans)! This Sunday please attend our class that will begin at 9:00am (ok, more like 9:15ish) in the Conference Room. 

This week, we will be focusing on the second chapter of Adam Hamilton book study called "The Walk", which focuses on Study: The Importance of Listening and Paying Attention. 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 and study with you on Sunday morning for coffee & refreshments before Sunday worship!

All the best, 

Casey Evans

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.

SSCC NOTEABLES

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.

WORSHIP LEADER SIGN UP

A sincere "Thank You!" to those of you who have signed up to be worship leaders. Slots are filling up! If you are interested in doing the Call to Worship, Scripture Reading, Call to Giving and Visitor Welcome during the service, please click on the button below and choose your date!

IT'S OFFICIAL!

Thanks to all who participated in last Sunday's Congregational Meeting.

We wanted to let you know that the 2022 Slate of Lay Leaders was voted in unanimously! We are very excited to see where we go in 2022, and thanks to all who serve.

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. 

Our next Third Saturday at CAC is Saturday, February 19th. CLICK HERE to sign up for Saturday or other volunteer opportunities at CAC. Your neighbors and SSCC need YOU! Please share a few hours of your time with us at the CAC.

Food baskets and barrels are waiting in the church Welcome Area for food donations and toiletries. Current food needs: 

 Beans (dry), Canned Fruit, Canned Meats (chicken, tuna, ham etc)

Canned Vegetables (green beans, peas, mixed) Canned Tomatoes

Canned Pastas, Cereal/Oatmeal, Dry or Evaporated Milk, Jelly

Jell-O or Pudding Mix, Macaroni & Cheese, Meal Helpers

Meat Entrees (canned chili, beef stew, chicken & dumplings)

Pasta, Peanut Butter, Potatoes (dry/can), Rice, Soup

Snacks (crackers, cookies), Spaghetti Sauce

Toiletries:

Diapers (medium, large, xl), Deodorant, Disposable Razors, Feminine Products

Shampoo, Soap, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Toilet Paper

SIZES: Standard sized containers are best, oversized or family size containers are difficult to pack and carry for many of our clients using public transportation.

EXPIRATION DATE: For safety reasons, canned and dry goods past the three-month expiration date cannot be distributed.

BROWN BAGS: Consider requesting paper bags when shopping and then donate them to CAC. It is a great way to recycle!

Plans are in the works for some hands on projects for Sundays after church. Stay tuned for more information.

PRAYER REQUESTS AND THANKS

The Chimeras want to thank you so much for the notes and prayers for their friends and their daughter.

Please pray for Walt Michels and for Fran as she cares for her dear husband.

Please keep Lolly Ross in your prayers over the coming weeks. Pray for Dan as well as he helps care for her in this time of need.

Prayers for Casey and Brandi Evans who lost their beloved dog, Aubrey, who finally succumbed to cancer on Jan. 28th. They are heartbroken as she was almost 13 years old.

Alice Villa asks for prayers for her niece, Gloria Gutierrez, who is trying to survive cancer and is under treatment at this time.

Prayers are requested for Bryant Hodgson who had a knee replacement and is back in the hospital to recuperate. Cards would also be appreciated to boost this kind man’s spirits. 

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.