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A NOTE FROM NATHAN
On February 22nd, we will once again observe Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. Lent spans 40 days on the Church calendar, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, preparing for his earthly ministry. The season of Lent has historically been a time of prayer, fasting and repentance, as we anticipate Christ’s resurrection on Easter morning.
For Disciples, Lenten practices vary from congregation to congregation and individual to individual. Some “give up” something during the season, as a reminder of our ultimate dependence on God. Others “take on” a spiritual practice, to grow deeper in their relationship with God. Still, others are simply more intentional about practicing their faith during the season, attending worship regularly, participating in a study, or carving out time for daily devotion. This season, SSCC is offering a variety of opportunities to help facilitate a meaningful Lenten journey, no matter how you might choose to navigate these 40 days.
First, we will have our annual Ash Wednesday worship service next Wednesday at 6:30 PM. It will be preceded by a dinner, prepared by the Torberts, which will be served from 5:30 – 6:15 PM in Dunlap Hall. The following Sunday, February 26th, I will begin a new sermon series entitled, “Living Dead, Dying for New Life.” The series will explore how we might move from living as if we are dead, to dying, each day, in order that we might more fully live.
On Wednesday, March 1st, we will begin a study, using a book by Kate Bowler entitled, “The Lives We Actually Have.” I will lead this five-week study on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. Each Wednesday, before the study, a light supper will be served from 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM in Dunlap Hall. If you plan to attend any dinner during the Lenten Season, please sign up in the Centrum or contact the church office.
Additionally, we have ordered Lenten devotionals from Chalice Press entitled, “Unsettling Lent.” These are 40-day devotionals to be utilized in your daily prayer life. Books for the Lenten study and the Daily Devotionals can be purchased through the church office or at the welcome desk on Sunday mornings.
Finally, Holy Week begins Sunday, April 2nd with Palm Sunday. We are planning a Seder Meal for Maundy Thursday this year. More details will follow. Once again, we will offer the stations of the cross, on our church grounds, Good Friday. Then, Easter morning will include a Sunrise Service, Pot-Luck Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt, and Traditional Easter Worship. If you have a child or grandchild interested in baptism, please reach out to Bryant Gibson for more information about the baptism preparation class.
I hope you will take a moment to read through this newsletter, and those throughout the Lenten Season, to learn more about the many ways in which you might participate within the life of our congregation. Lent is a time for all of us to grow in our relationship with God and one another. I pray you will be intentional about journeying this season, as we anticipate, once again, Easter morning.
See you Sunday!
Peace,
Nathan
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Transfiguration Sunday, February 19, 2023
"What Practice Doesn't Make"
Luke 6:27-38 - Williams New Testament
Rev. Douglas Ivey
We welcome Rev. Douglas Ivey to the pulpit this Sunday. He is a retired Disciples minister. He and Angela are the proud parents of three adult children; including our own Rev. Teddy Ivey. They enjoy traveling, community activities, and spending time with their children and their families. During 30 years of ministry, Doug served churches around Georgia, and since retirement has served as Interim Pastor for St. Andrew Christian Church; Johns Creek Christian Church; and as Interim Regional Minister for the Georgia Region.
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Lent
Living Dead, Dying for New Life
There are plenty of us “living dead” these days. Just because you have a beating heart, doesn’t mean you are fully alive. Nor does being dead mean that you do not continue to live. Jesus isn’t the kind of physician who deals in worrying about one’s vitals. He’s less concerned with survival and more concerned with new life. There is a difference. Throughout Lent, we will explore the stories of those who, through an encounter with Jesus, are transformed from the living dead into those who find new life. Perhaps this Lenten season, their stories might inform our own.
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
Ash Wednesday
Sunday, February 26, 2023
Living Tempted, Dying for Contentment - Matthew 4:1-11
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Living Christian, Dying for Discipleship - John 3:1-17
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Living Thirsty, Dying for Water - John 4:5-42
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Living Blind, Dying for Sight - John 9:1-41
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Living Bound, Dying for Freedom - John 11:1-45
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, April 2, 2023 (Palm Sunday)
Living Palms, Dying for Passion - Matthew 21:1-11
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
Sunday, April 9, 2023 (Easter Sunday)
Living Dead, Dying for New Life - Matthew 28:1-10
Rev. Dr. Nathan C. Brown
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ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE AND SUPPER
Join us Wednesday, February 22nd for a light supper and Ash Wednesday Service. Dinner will be served in Dunlap Hall from 5:30 - 6:15 PM. Worship will take place in the sanctuary at 6:30 PM. If you plan to eat dinner, please sign up in the centrum or by calling the church office, as we need to know how many to plan for.
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LENTEN SUPPER AND STUDY
Wednesdays from March 1 - 30
Join us Wednesday evenings throughout Lent, for a light dinner and study, beginning on March 1st. Dinner will be served from 5:30 - 6:15 PM in Dunlap Hall. Pastor Nathan will be leading a study of Kate Bowler's new book, "The Lives We Actually Have," at 6:30 PM, in the Leslie Classroom. Books can be purchased through the church office during the week or on Sunday mornings at the welcome desk. If you plan to eat dinner, please sign up each week in the centrum or by calling the church office, so we know how many to plan for.
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FLOWER SIGN UPS!
You can use the sign-up button below to select the Sundays you wish to sponsor and fill in your name, who/what the flowers are for. Then write a check to SSCC any time prior to your date or send the amount through ZELLE to "accounting@sandysppringscc.org". If you have any questions, or want to reserve a date over the phone, just call the church office at 404.256.2582.
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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 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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OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
SSCC will be volunteering at the CAC on this Saturday, February 18. Volunteers are needed to help in the Food Pantry and Thrift Store located at 8607 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. Here's your chance to give just a few hours of your time to help our neighbors in need. No previous experience necessary. Click on the Outreach picture above to sign up.
We are also looking for people to join the Outreach Team. Please contact Denise Shipman if you are interested in helping others.
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Our February date has been set for our monthly international dinner. We will be meeting at Arepa Mia, 10 N Clarendon Ave, Avondale Estates GA 30002 on Tuesday, February 28 at 7 PM for excellent Venezuelan arepas. Their web site address is: arepamiaatlanta.com if you are interested in seeing their menu, or other details. Pease note that this is a gluten free organic restaurant. It was begun twelve years ago at Sweet Auburn Curb Market by Lis Hernandez.
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CHURCH-WIDE EVENT! SAVE THE DATE! MARCH 5TH
DAWGS VS. FROGS FAMILY FEUD AND SOUP SUNDAY!
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LET THE FUN BEGIN!
Everyone is welcome to join us for Soup Sunday and watch our GA and TCU teams in a "rematch" FAMILY FEUD STYLE! Wear your team colors that day and find out who will end up with bragging rights.
The event is Sunday, March 5 - after Church in Dunlap Hall. If you plan to attend, we are asking for you to sign up either by clicking the button below, OR by signing up on the sheet in the lobby (please only sign up in one place). In addition, we are hoping for 20 families to sign up to bring a crockpot of soup or stew. Drinks, dessert and cornbread will be provided. If you have any questions please reach out to Joan at Joanbramblett@gmail.com.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES | |
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THE GATHERING HOUR 9AM ON SUNDAY
We bring you: "The Gathering Hour" starting Sundays at 9:00 AM. This hour offers two adult options and a children's option for spending time in fellowship. Click on the picture on the right to read a description of current classes
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THANKS AND PRAYER REQUESTS | |
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Fran Michel's writes, "My heart bursts with joy and gratitude for the beautiful celebration of my 85th Birthday by my SSCC family. Thanks to all….and especially to the dear friends that ‘made it happen!'"
Prayers are requested for Niki Norman's mom, Jan Brodie. She had hip replacement surgery on February 15th.
Larri Wolf asks for prayers for her cousin, Corinne Spray, who is undergoing very strong chemo for breast cancer and she's having a very tough time.
Lynn McCahren asks for prayers for her brother, Doug Blount, whose cancer has returned and he prepares for radiation treatment on his brain.
| If you have any prayer requests or joys to share, please contact Rev. Teddy Ivey, Minister of Congregational Care via email: Teddy@sandyspringscc.org. | |
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Kathleen Reese February 20
Wayne Dimmitt February 21
Pat Kapphahn February 22
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Tom Bratten February 23
Charles Rolen February 23
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