January 15, 2019
The latest Renovation Update was emailed to the congregation earlier this week. If you have not already done so, I hope you will take a few minutes to read about the exciting progress happening on “the other side of the fence.” A special thank you to the members of our hard-working building committee: Tom Baltzell, Matt Hodgdon, and Karen Schmidt. These three are meeting nearly every week with our architects and contractors to oversee and guide all the details that go into a major renovation like this one. Please also remember that the Heart and Soul Capital Campaign , which was launched in fall 2018 to make this project possible, continues to receive pledges. To date, 163 pledges totaling just shy of $4 million have been received. The projected cost for the renovation is approximately $4.2 million, so we have a little way yet to go. If you have questions about the campaign or how to participate, please feel free to email our campaign chair, Jack Hartman . You can also pledge online by clicking here . Your generosity and prayers make a difference – thank you!

All that said, the renovation is far from the only thing happening at SSPC these days. We are a church that is seeking every day to make God’s love visible both to one another and to the community and world around us. This week’s newsletter includes good information on all of those fronts. Among the opportunities coming up is the Savannah Presbytery Faith Enrichment Conference happening February 7-8. This annual gathering takes place in our own backyard at Epworth by the Sea and is an excellent opportunity to come together with other Presbyterians from southeast Georgia to learn and grow in the faith. More information is provided below, and registration forms are available in the church office. The church will cover $30 of the cost, so the total cost for any SSPCer to attend is only $35. It is a worthwhile way to spend a Friday evening and Saturday morning – hope to see you there! 

Second, the youth program is looking ahead to an exciting spring and summer. If you are a parent or guardian of any mid- or senior-high youth, be sure to take a look at the information below for the mission trip heading to Asheville this June as well as the opportunity to attend Montreat Youth Conference with other youth from our presbytery. Confirmation for 7 th grade and older students is also gearing up to start on Sunday mornings in February. Please contact Rev. Annie Franklin Arvin, our Associate Pastor for Youth and Mission, for more details! ( annie@sspres.org )

See you Sunday. Casual is fine. Invite a friend. 

Peace,
Alan
Upcoming Events
Try Something New
Savannah Presbytery
Worship This Sunday
Musical Notes

The choir “loft” is growing! Last week, we welcomed new members Fred Griffith, Carol Kiernan, Jan Maloof, Mark Propst, and Ellen Smith. Even though we may look full, it’s not too late to join one of the most fun groups in the church. All of the snow birds aren’t even here yet and there were seven regular choir members out.  

This Sunday, the Chancel Choir will be directed by Mark Propst. His background in music education and administration is extensive, having come from the Charlotte, NC area. Mark sings, conducts, and plays piano and trumpet. Harlan and I will be going to New York City with a group that includes David and Audrey Stewart. We will get to meet up with our agent that helps us with talent for the Island Concert Association and I will immediately go to a rehearsal for the upcoming concert with ICA when I arrive in the city. We even have plans to go to church at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian! All is in good hands with Mark and Amy – thank you for helping me while I experience this great opportunity.  
The Chancel Choir will sing a piece by Alexander Kopylow, Heavenly Light . Here are words by Alice Mattullath:  

Sent from heaven, thy rays were given on great and small to shine, O Light Divine! May each soul in sorrow’s night see the heavenly light! Thou blessing to all creation, lead us to our salvation! All those whose feet may falter, lead unto the sacred altar! Oh, shine from above, Divine Light of love! Show us the way unto our God, we pray! Thou our beacon and guide shalt be! Light Divine, we praise Thee!

Hymns for Sunday: 744 Arise, Your Light is Come; 837 What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine.  

On Sunday, if you look under your chairs, you can see the blue tape in the social hall on the floor that represents the size of the new chancel area. It’s a big space, but it sure was interesting to see how fast it filled up when we added instruments, chairs, communion table, pulpit, and lectern. Choir members were able to see and experience the new space. The excitement is building! Thank you for your continuing faith in and support of the church, especially the music ministry!  

Love & Gratitude, 
Rhonda
Hymns for Sunday:
8:30 am Service Hymns:
  • What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine - 837
11:00 am Service Hymns:
  • Arise, Your Light Is Come! - 744
  • What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine - 837
The Weeks Ahead
Sunday, January 19th
8:30 am  Chapel Service - Social Hall
9:00 am  Coffee Hour & Breakfast - Britt Room
9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations
11:00 am  Traditional Service - Social Hall
3:30 pm  Magnolia Manor Worship - Magnolia Manor

Monday, January 20th
4:30 pm  EPIC Book Club - Palm Coast
5:30 pm  Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room
8:00pm AA Meeting - Britt Room
7:00pm Al Anon - John Law

Tuesday, January 21st
7:00 am  Chick-fil-A Youth Breakfast - Chick-fil-a
9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room
9:30 am Yoga - Youth Suite
2:00 pm Marsh's Edge Coffee - Marsh's Edge
4:30 pm Session Meeting - Britt Room

Wednesday, January 22nd
10:00 am Men's Bible Study - John Law
6:30 pm Chancel Ringers - Youth Suite
7:00 pm Chancel Choir - Music Attic

Thursday, January 23rd
7:15 am Men’s Bible Study - Britt Room
10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room
4:00 pm  Yoga Class - Youth Suite
8:00 pm  AA Meeting - Britt Room
8:00 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law Room

Friday, January 24th
6:00 pm  Dinner With Friends - Jekyll Hotel
6:00 pm  PJ Party - Children's Hall
New Christian Education
KidZ & Youth
Looking Back
Stewardship Updates

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