WELCOME BACK TEAM UPDATE - GOOD NEWS!
Dear SSCC,
We bring you good tidings of great joy! On Tuesday night, the Leadership Council, Elders and Welcome Back Team met to build consensus around a plan for suspending all safety protocols for in-person activities at SSCC, including worship. We concluded, pending circumstances in our world continue trending positively, on Sunday, June 27th, we will lift all protocols and resume in-person activities at SSCC. In the meantime, we will continue with our normal safety protocols with the exception that, while masks are strongly recommended for all, masks will not be required for those who have been vaccinated. Thank you for your patience as we move toward finding our new normal at SSCC. Please look to your email in the coming week for more information about what to expect on June 27th and beyond.
Peace,
The Welcome Back Team
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A NOTE FROM BRYANT
Happy Memorial Day!
I hope you’ll make plans to join us in worship this Sunday as we explore our calling as Christians from the text Romans 12:9-21.
This weekend we also honor those that have given their lives for our country. We are grateful for those that have made our country a place where all are welcome to worship freely. We will sing “God Bless America” in our worship service and I came across an article (see link below) about the song’s writer and thought it was a great example of what makes America such a special place.
See you in service on Sunday!
Peace,
Bryant
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If I were to ask you to use words to describe yourself, I’m sure for many of us, the word “Christian” would undoubtedly come up...but what does that calling mean in our lives? Does it mean anything at all if we’re not following Jesus? Let’s explore what it means to really take up our cross and walk the road with Christ
in a world that so desperately needs it.
May 30, 2021
If We Call Ourselves Christians...
Romans 12:9-21 NRSV
Bryant Gibson
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To view the service this Sunday on our YouTube page, click here.
To view the scripture for this Sunday, click here.
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UPCOMING SERMON SERIES ON HYMNS
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE HYMN?
Obviously, one of the things we have missed most the last year has been singing our songs of faith together in worship. Finally, we are singing hymns again in person! In order to celebrate this gift of practicing our faith, Nathan is going to preach a sermon series this summer on the gift of song. He and the staff would like to incorporate many of your favorite hymns and the stories behind them in worship during that season. Please take a moment to click on the button below and share your favorite hymns. If you are willing, please also share stories or reasons for which you enjoy them. Look to the newsletter for more information about this upcoming series!
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MUSIC NEWS
Women’s Choir is about to start rehearsing! Our first practice will be on Wednesday, June 2nd from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. or if you cannot make Wednesday, you can come on Sunday, June 6th
from 9:15 – 9:45 a.m. As in the past, we will give you opportunities to come either on Wednesday or Sunday mornings as your schedule allows, and then we put it together the day of the performance! This particular time back together is bittersweet, as we will miss Joyce terribly, but also such a joyful occasion to be able to sing again!!!! We are celebrating by doing a fun and uplifting medley from Sister Act! Please join us for some musical time together! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Also, Adult Handbells are starting back again! Rehearsals will be held on Sundays directly after worship for 45 minutes. Come on out! All experiences welcome – beginners, advanced, and complete never done it before people!
If you are interested in joining our handbell group or women's choir, please email Susan Wallace at susanwallace03@gmail.com.
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WELCOME TO THE SSCC FAMILY!
This past Sunday, May 23rd, Joan Bramblett placed her membership at SSCC. Here's a bio from Joan.
I grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from the University of Michigan. I went to Atlanta in 1973 to teach first grade. I married my husband Dennis in 1977. He is a Georgia Tech graduate who grew up in Shannon, Georgia. We settled in East Cobb, had 3 children and were members of Mt Bethel UMC. In 1998 my husband was asked to start a Morgan Stanley office at Lake Oconee. My husband retired in 2001. We enjoyed 21 years at the lake but due to his declining health we returned to East Cobb in 2019 to be closer to our grown children. I started a church search about the time Covid hit. Perhaps, the only advantage to Covid being that I could visit many churches a week on the internet! I was drawn to SSCC because of its inclusivity and Nathan's wise sermons. I look forward to warmth and community as we return to 'normal'.
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FROM THE ARMSTRONGS!
We are very excited to share with you that Catherine Asher (daughter of Carol and Jim Armstrong) graduated with her Ph.D. in Education Policy and Program Evaluation via a virtual "robing" ceremony on May 26, 2021. She has accepted a research faculty position as part of the University of Michigan's Youth Policy Lab, and her husband Ben has accepted a teaching position at Detroit Prep, a charter school in Detroit. They will be moving to Ypsilanti this summer and are looking forward to becoming Michiganders. Their current address is:
205 Walden St., Apt. 4U, Cambridge, MA 02140 if you would like to drop them a note.
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A THANK YOU FROM MERILYN DIMMITT
Dear Nathan and the Leadership Team,
Thank you for the lovely Chalice and Plate. I'm including the picture in case some of you have not seen how beautiful your gift was. You could not have chosen a gift I would cherish more. Every time I look at it, I will think of you and my time as your Director of Congregational Care. It was an honor to serve during these challenging times.
Thank you also once again for the monetary gift. Wayne and I enjoyed the restaurant gift cards after we received our vaccines.
Love, Merilyn Dimmitt
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CAMP CHRISTIAN NEEDS YOU!
Dear Colleagues:
Camp Christian needs our help. Because the camp was shut down during COVID, lots of needed work was not done. This year, we are thankful that Pam and Marilyn are working very, very hard to see to it that we have camp sessions this year. But they cannot do it alone. Here are some needs that simply must be met if we are going to have camp this year:
1) Counselors. If your church is sending campers, you need to send counselors as well. It is a hot, uncomfortable job that you will love. And even if your church is not sending campers, you can still send counselors. Please see the Regional website for details.
2) Workdays--There are upcoming workdays on June 1, 2, 3, & 4. If you can't make one of those, any time before camp starts you can be helpful. Contact Oscar and Paulette Hugley at campteamhugley@gmail.com to find out how you can help!!!
Grace and Peace,
Doug
Rev. Douglas M. Ivey, MSW, MDiv., Interim Regional Minister
The Christian Church (DOC) in Georgia
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WE NEED CURRENT PHOTOS
We hope you have been enjoying the video with pictures and music that we have been playing before our Sunday worship (big thank you to Teddy Ivey who puts it all together).
In order to keep things fresh, Teddy is asking that you send him photos that might work that could be inserted in between some of the slides. They can be of your family, photos from SSCC events or any images that you might want to share with your church family.
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LOST AND FOUND
This beautiful necklace was found in Dunlap Hall last week near the entrance to the kitchen. Please call the church office if it is yours.
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NEW ADDRESSES TO NOTE
Just an update from Judy Edwards. She is doing well and wanted everyone to know her new address is 1119 Pick Pocket Plantation Drive, Beaufort, SC 29902. Feel free to drop her a note or give her a call at (843) 929-6949. If you ever visit Fripp Island or Hilton Head, she says she's on the way, so drop in and see her!
In addition, Marlene Rhine has been moved to the Brian Center in Canton. She would love to receive some cards. Please send them to her attention at: The Brian Center, 150 Hospital Circle, Canton, GA 30114.
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CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
In observance of Memorial Day, the church office will be closed Monday, May 31st.
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STAY IN TOUCH WITH SSCC MEMBERS
SSCC Members should have received a reminder email invitation on Monday to sign up for our new Church Member software called Breeze. Please remember to sign up, log in and verify your profile information in the system. It's a great new way to keep up with your SSCC Family! More exciting updates to come soon!
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PATHFINDERS CLASS MEETING VIRTUALLY
Join John Mills and the Pathfinders for Zoom discussions every Monday evening from 7:00 - 8:30 pm. You can CLICK HERE to join the video call each week, or you can call in 929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID: 985 6868. The passcode is 831869. For more information please contact John Mills. |
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PRAYER REQUESTS
Steve DeVinney, son-in-law of Carolyn Dishman, is having serious complications related to his cancer. Please keep him in your prayers.
Please pray for Janet and Peter Lochery's friend, Pat Collins, who just had a major knee replacement surgery and needs some spiritual strength to help in her recovery.
Barbara Duren requests prayers for Donna Lassiter who is having medical issues.
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, 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) and Dalton Brown (Army) granddaughter and grandson of Barb Duren and Chaplain Kevin Mooney (Navy), Linda Whitmire's granddaughter, 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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DOING MINISTRY DIFFERENTLY |
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HELPING THE CAC
CAC Pantry/Thrift Shop Expand to 5 Days, Hightower Reopens
The Community Assistance Center’s food pantry and thrift shop, Upscale Thrift, will once again be open 5 days a week beginning in June! CAC's Hightower Trail office building will re-open for in-person assistance interviews in June by appointment only. CAC's Dunwoody office will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays with walk-in pantry hours and assistance interviews by appointment only. Visit CAC’s website for more details.
Free COVID-19 Vaccine Shots at CAC June 2
Free COVID-19 vaccine shots will be available at CAC on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. The one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be offered. Open to the public. No appointment, no insurance, no ID needed. 1 pm – 6 pm, 8607 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs (Enter the thrift shop donation door on the left side of the building.)
AGCGA Golf Tournament Raises $125,000 for CAC!
The Young Leadership Program of the Associated General Contractors of Georgia's (AGCGA) annual golf tournament on May 5 in Peachtree City drew 375 players and raised $125,000! The Community Assistance Center is grateful to be the sole beneficiary of the event! All proceeds will be donated for the internal construction of CAC's new south Sandy Springs branch office. AGCGA members will contribute services to the build out. The new office and food pantry will be located on the ground level of a new storage unit building on Northwood Drive near Roswell Rd and I-285.
Give Kids Tools for School for the Next School Year!
While the current school year has ended, the Community Assistance Center is already looking ahead to help our local students be prepared to learn come August! Together we can give local children Tools for School! Just $40 provides a child with a new backpack and school supplies! Please help CAC prepare up to 1,000 local children for the start of school with backpacks custom packed with grade appropriate supplies. We serve children in about a dozen area schools. You may also join our volunteer team to help pack backpacks! Questions about donating, group projects and volunteering please contact mailto:schoolsupplies@ourcac.org. If you or anyone you know is in need of assistance with school supplies please visit CAC's website to register.
Join the Volunteer Team at CAC!
You can make a difference in the lives of others in our community! Join the hundreds of volunteers who help our neighbors in need in Sandy Springs and Dunwoody. Volunteer opportunities are available in all areas at the Community Assistance Center, find one that’s right for you! Greatest needs include cashiers at Upscale Thrift on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Weekly commitment preferred. All days, morning and afternoon shifts available. Contact Nolan at volunteer@ourcac.org.
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MUST MINISTRIES: 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 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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Delane Bickelhaupt May 27
Michelle Brown Kahn May 30
Josie Worley May 31
Ronda Hirst June 01
Ryan Chimera June 04
Doug Driemeyer June 06
Cindy Driemeyer June 10
Atticus Mooney June 10
William Reese June 10
Cathy Cortright June 13
Joshua Jones June 14
Carolyn Dishman June 15
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Tracey McCluskey June 15
Charlotte Hale June 16
Jeff Matthews June 20
Kathy Woodworth June 20
Teresa Edens June 21
Patsy McBride June 21
Laura McKinney June 21
Sue Strahm June 21
Grace Saygbor June 24
Tony Chimera June 25
Brandi Evans June 27
Gregg Worley June 28
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