SSPC Newsletter - May 11, 2023

May 11, 2023

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I (we) know only in part; then I (we) will know fully, even as I (we) have been fully known. And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.”

-1 Corinthians 13:12-13

Dear Friends,

If you haven’t seen the email that went out Wednesday night regarding Annie Franklin Arvin's leaving SSPC, please refer to the link below for the full update.

"Saddened, surprised, and confused," are some of the responses I've

heard. All fit. So do “wonder and questioning” for our church.

Among all the questions, the question that matters most now is, "what's

next?" The answer, even though it sounds sanctimonious, even trite, is "God knows." Yes, "God knows” ... but God doesn’t resolve these things magically apart from us.

So what can we do? The first thing we need do is pray. Pray for Annie and her family and pray for this family at SSPC. Pray for compassion, discernment and patience. Pray for "faith, hope and love" as Paul said. Faith to trust God through this; hope to believe God will bring new things to pass; love to increase our sense of community and compassion.

Secondly, trust the process. Presbyterians do things "decently and in order,” and you can trust this has been so in this case.

Finally, I want to thank Annie personally for the love, work, and time she has given the people of this church.

I also want to thank the rest of the staff for their continued "heavy lifting" to meet the needs of this congregation and help make it such a remarkable community trying to follow the way of Jesus.

And thank you, the members, for your willingness to step up and do what is best for God’s kingdom.

Now we pray, wait, trust, hope, and love. And also ask how you can help.

Gratefully,

Rev. Dr. Steve Goyer

Interim Senior Pastor

Link to a Message From the Personnel Committee

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Session has called for a congregational meeting on Sunday, May 21, at the end of the 10:30 am worship service.

The purpose of the meeting will be to formally and prayerfully conclude our relationship with Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin.

Musical Notes

“Now is the month of Maying, when merry lads are playing, fa la la la la la la la la ……” This is a madrigal that New Renaissance (a former early music singing group that met at our church formerly known as the Island Baroque Ensemble) used to sing. It’s been an ear worm lately that keeps coming around. For me, May is a time to look at the next year and plan major music events and set dates on the calendar through the next May. The staff met last week and did just that. We have much to look forward to in the coming months and there are plans to share all that information (dates and events) with the congregation in late summer. Many of you enjoy Bluegrass Sunday – that date will be August 20th, God willing and the creek don’t rise. Mark your calendars for a Sunday of fun and worshipful music.

For the present, the Chancel Choir will be singing “God So Loved the World” by John Stainer on Sunday. This is John 3:16 which is a verse for all times. Sir John Stainer (6 June 1840 – 31 March 1901) was an English composer and organist whose music, though seldom performed today (with the exception of The Crucifixion, still heard at Passiontide in some churches of the Anglican Communion), was very popular during his lifetime. This piece, however, was a chorus from that popular work and has survived as a staple of choral music.

On May 21, Ascension of the Lord Day will be acknowledged. The date in liturgy is actually May 18th this year. The choir will open with Make a Joyful Noise by Hal Hopson - a round that will be sung with the premier playing of our new chimes given to us by David Stewart. Ralph Vaughn-Williams majestic “O Clap Your Hands” will be sung by the choir accompanied by organ, timpani, cymbals, and the Chancel Ensemble.

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda

Happenings & Events