Volume 63 (2-week newsletter) November 16, 2017 This coming Sunday, November 19, is Pledge Dedication Sunday at the church we love! We thank those who just couldn't wait to express their financial support for our ministry. We have already received 50 pledges that will fund 21% of the 2018 mission budget. Please bring your pledge card to worship this Sunday or complete one that you will find in the pews. We will bring them forward during the singing of the last hymn, or you may place them in the offering plates if you prefer. Thank you for praying for your church, and thank you for giving to support the good work and faithful discipleship of St. Simons Presbyterian Church. Our stewardship emphasis this year has been greatly enriched by the testimonies of Michael Johnson and Molly Macaulay during worship the past two Sundays. Also, our Wednesday night suppers in November have highlighted some of the outreach ministries of our church this year. We thank Brenda Haughney, Mary Ann Brearley, and Harlan Hambright for sharing their mission experience working on storm-damaged homes in Ridgeville, South Carolina, and we appreciate the heart-felt sharing of Sean Hidalgo as he spoke of his experience in Africa providing fresh-water wells through Marion Medical Mission. This week we heard from Carol Snyder, Warren Jansen, and Bob Brearley who shared their faith pilgrimage to Taiwan to experience the mission field of our friend and PCUSA coworker John McCall. It is exciting to see our church on the move loving one another in Christ and making a difference in the world because we are called to live beyond ourselves as a witness to our God's compassion in Jesus Christ. Many of our members are making serious commitments of their time and their money to what God is doing through the generosity and the love of this congregation. It humbles the pastors and staff of St. Simons Presbyterian Church, and it makes us eager to bring our pledges to worship this Sunday. Thank you. Love, Bob
THIS SUNDAY IS DEDICATION SUNDAY! Our stewardship theme this year is: Giving. Forgiving. Thanksgiving. These three simple words encompass what the Christian life is all about. Namely that followers of Jesus Christ are called to give generously, forgive freely, and, in all things, give thanks! The budget presented this year outlines the many ways we seek to live into this call as a community of faith dedicated to serving, growing, gathering, and sharing our life with others. Please click here to download a copy of our Stewardship Dream 2018 brochure. We hope the information presented here is not only informative but also inspiring as you consider the myriad ways you can share your own treasure, time, and talents in support of the Gospel ministry happening here at SSPC. Please take the time to submit your pledge online by clicking on the link below or by filling out a pledge card which can be found on tabletops throughout the church. We will dedicate our pledges together as a congregation this Sunday, November 19 during both services. Submit your Pledge Online Here Questions? Contact Church Administrator, Jeannine Torbert, at jeannine@sspres.org or (912) 638-2220.
It's time for our annual Advent Festival! Invite your friends to this family fun event and come gather in the Christmas spirit as we enter a season of joy, hope, peace, and love with fellowship and fun for all ages. This year, as a part of the festival, we will also be hanging the Christmas greenery together throughout the sanctuary! We hope to see you there! Wednesday, November 29 5 PM
We would love for you to be a part of our... Congregational Care Team! St. Simons Presbyterian has begun an intentional ministry to care for one another. Presently we need members who are willing to provide food or a simple meal. If you are willing to serve your brother or sister in Christ whenever you are able, please click here for more information or call the church office or contact Molly Macaulay (912-223-6514 or mmmpr@bellsouth.net). Together we become the hands and feet of Christ! You are invited to join SSPC in helping families build stronger foundations for the future in our community! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to give back this Christmas season by registering to volunteer on the upcoming Habitat for Humanity workday. Every volunteer and donation makes a difference. Sat, December 9 8 AM - 1 PM Lunch Provided
Click Here t o Regist er! The Weeks Ahead (2 week newsletter) Sunday, November 19 // Dedication Sunday 8:30 am - Chapel Service e - Sanctuary 9:00 am - Coffee Hour - Social Hall 9:30 am - Sunday School - Various Locations 11:00 am - Traditional Serv ic e - Sanctuary 12:15 pm - CE Team Meeting - Children's Hall 3:30 pm - Magnolia Manor Worship - Magnolia Manor 4:00 pm - Community Thanksgiving Service - Christ Church *No youth program s this night. Monday, November 20 10:00 am - Instrumental Ensemble - Sanctuary 5:30 pm - Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room 8:00 pm - Al-Anon Meeting - John Law Room 8:00 pm - AA Meeting - Britt Room Wednesday, November 22 *No Wednesday evening program s this night. Thursday, November 23 7:30 am - Thanksgiving Breakfast - Social Hall 8:00 pm - Al-Anon Meeting - John Law Room 8:00 pm - AA Meeting - Britt Room *The church office will be closed on Thursday, Nov 23 & Friday, Nov 24. Sunday, November 26 8:30 am - Chapel Service - Sanctuary 9:00 am - Coffee Hour - Social Hall 9:30 am - Sunday School - Various Locations 11:00 am - Traditional Service - Sanctuary 5:00 pm - KidZ Choir Party at Rhondas *No youth program s this night. Monday, November 27 Monday, November 27 10:00 am - Instrumental Ensemble - Sanctuary 12:00 pm - Men's Noonday Bible Study - Britt Room 8:00 pm - AA Meeting - Britt Room
8:00 pm - Al-Anon Meeting - John Law Room Tuesday, November 28 7:00 am - Youth Breakfast Devotion - SSI Chick-fil-A Wednesday, November 29 10:30 am - Ladies Video Bible Study 4:00 pm - KidZ Choir - Music Attic 5:00 pm - Advent Festival & the Hanging of the Greens - Social Hall 6:30 pm - Chancel Ringers - Bell Room 7:00 pm - Chancel Choir - Sanctuary Thursday, November 30 7:00 am - Men's Breakfast Bible Study - Britt Room 10:00 am - Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room 4:00 pm - Free Flow Yoga - Youth Suite 8:00 pm - AA Meeting - Britt Room 8:00 pm - Al-Anon Meeting - John Law Room Friday, December 1 10:00 am - Book Discussion & Prayer - Jann's Office Click for More Information About Upcoming Events Prayers and Thanksgivings Click here for the Weekly Prayer & Meditation Christian Celebration: We extend a joyous congratulations to Anne and Bill Stembler upon the birth of their new granddaughter, Margaret Anne "Maesie" Bockstedt. Baby Maesie was born on October 15 in Atlanta to proud parents, Katie & Jessie Bockstedt. Maesie is also welcomed by her loving aunt, Bess Chambliss. Christian Sym pathy: We extend Christian sympathy to Bob Torras and his family upon the death of his wife, Susan Torras, who entered into rest on November 15. A memorial service for Susan will be held in the sanctuary on Monday, November 20 at 2:00 PM with a reception to follow.
Hunger Action Team Packing: This past week, our Hunger Action Team, with the help of our children and youth, have been busy building and packaging food boxes to help those in need in our community! We thank them for their time and service to this helpful ministry that directly impacts the lives of others.
Car oline Dukes joined on Sunday along with her 18-month old son, Wilder, in her arms! Caroline has visited St. Simons Presbyterian for the past year or so and has recently become involved in the 30s/40s Sunday school class. She is particularly appreciative of the children's ministry and welcome that SSPC has shown her family. Caroline works as a paralegal at Roberts Tate in Brunswick. Karen Hollen has lived in Michigan and Iowa, and she had the interesting job of being a house director for sororities on college campuses. Her sister Harriet is an ordained pastor with the United Church of Christ. Karen grew up Baptist but has enjoyed being a Presbyterian for many years. Karen has been attending our church for many months and feels at home here. She decided to join officially when her new friend and new member Kathie Whalen suggested that they unite with the church on the same Sunday. We are glad they did. Bettye Russell joins us by reaffirmation of faith and transfer of letter from Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. In addition to serving as a Ruling Elder at Central Presbyterian, Bettye was very involved in helping to develop and lead ministries focused on hospitality and welcome. Bettye retired to St. Simons three and a half years ago and is a regular volunteer at Sparrow's Nest in Brunswick. Kathie Whalen was born in England to military parents, and she lived in many places and attended many schools as the daughter of a soldier. She and her husband Gerald moved here from McDonough, Georgia. They have a son in California, and a daughter who will be moving to St. Simons this coming summer with her young family. Kathie is an artist who enjoyed being a teacher for gifted children, kindergarten through eighth grade. Kathie made her first friends in the church by coming to the Rejoice Sunday School class. Worship This Sunday Dedication Sunday Scripture: P salm 148 :1-5 Co lo ssi ans 3:15-17
Hymns: Preacher: 367 - Co m e, Y e Thankf ul P e o ple, Co m e 36 - F o r the F rui t o f All Cre ati o n Re v. Alan D y e r Financial performance as of October 31, 2017 Offerings Received YTD $ 950,632.56 Expenditures Paid YTD $ 918, 979.36 Thank you for your giving to support the ministries at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. Your continued giving and faithfulness is greatly appreciated! C L I C K H E R E T O G I V E O N L I N E Giving online is easy! Just follow the link above to tithe and donate online. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at (912) 638-2220. Musical Note s Last Sunday night's Taizé service was an experiment. To quote Bob Brearley, "All church work is an experiment." Those that participated - Kelly Johnson, MacKenzie Bishop, Ami Bishop, Harlan Hambright, Tripp Goeldner, Margaret Spiers, and Brooke Zell - blessed those that attended. The 30 minute service was one of music, silent meditation, and music to end. Piano, guitars, a violin, a viola, drum and shakers rounded out the musical instruments played. We are going to try this again in the early spring before the time changes again. Thank you to all who attended and all who served their church in such a meaningful way. Surely the presence of the Lord was in this place. On Sunday, the Chancel Choir will offer Rejoice, Be Glad, Give Praise! by Dale Wood. Accompanied by Brass and Organ, members of our Chancel Instrumental Ensemble will play. With Amy Bishop on organ, Anne Marie Stirewalt and Beth Evans on trumpet and Alexander Hamilton and Maddie Shafer on Baritones will add to the festive atmosphere of our Thanksgiving Service. Hymns for Sunday: 367 Come, Ye Thankful People, Come; 36 For the Fruit of All Creation (new words; old tune) On Sunday after Thanksgiving, which is Christ the King Sunday, Frank Lea and the Chancel Choir will offer I'd Rather Have Jesus, a song sung on the Billy Graham Crusades by George Beverly Shea. Hymns for that Sunday are: 268 Crown Him with Many Crowns; and 269 Lead On, O King Eternal.
Sunday afternoon, November 19 at 4:00 pm at Christ Church Parish Hall is the place to be. Kathleen Turner and I have been collaborating on the music for this community service. This is always a good time to reconnect with your neighbors. Your attendance will be much appreciated. There will be no programming or choir practices on Wednesday, November 22nd. Get ready to Hang the Greens on November 29th. All practices resume on that day. Safe travels and glorious Thanksgiving gatherings to you all! Love & Gratitude, Rhonda