This past week in worship, I taught the children one of my favorite prayers, “Spirit in (breathe in), self out (breathe out).” But I’ll let you all in on a little secret: I was teaching it to you as well! Because even though it may be simple, it is one of the most honest and straightforward prayers that I know, and I have clung to it as a consistent part of my own prayer life for many years. It’s simple, to the point, and something I can offer to God anywhere and at any time. When we invite God’s Spirit into our hearts, we invite everything that God’s Spirit brings with her: patience, kindness, gentleness, love, peace, mercy, justice, peace, joy, the list goes on! Similarly, when we pray, “self out,” we ask that God might take from us all that remains selfish and self-serving in our hearts and lives and all that might separate us from God. It’s as if we’re praying, “God, take my motivations and give me yours. Take my selfishness and transform it by your Spirit. Take my life and may it be used for your purposes alone. Spirit in, self out.” I asked the children to practice this prayer, but it is a prayer that all of us should practice as we seek to serve faithfully as God’s people here at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. So, let us join our hearts in

prayer…Spirit in, self out…Spirit in, self out…Spirit in, self out…

With gratitude for our life together,

Rachel

In each newsletter, I’ve posted a plea for housing for Maryville College Concert Choir members. They are coming on March 6 and I’m getting a little nervous about where they will sleep that night. Of the 39 students, I’ve only housed 9 of them. My home isn’t large enough to put them up for the night, so I’m going to need your help.

The commitment is this – 1) Come to the concert at 7 if you are able, 2) Pick up your guests afterwards and take them home with you, 3) Feed them breakfast or give them to go items, 4) Return to the church around 8 am – exact time will be determined later, 5) Feel amazing that you have helped a college student! Please let me know as soon as possible if you can host.  

I hope that you have enjoyed the music ministry’s homage to Black History Month. The choir is certainly having a good time. This Sunday, we turn to the calmer side of spirituals. There is a Balm in Gilead is the spiritual of the day. You can almost hear the crying in this one. We open with “Kum Ba Yah”, then Amy & I playing “Reach Out to Jesus” on organ and piano. The choir will sing “If I Can Help Somebody” by Alma Bazel Androzzo and arranged by Andre Thomas, who was the choral director at Worship & Music Conference at Montreat a few years ago. This piece was purchased by Diana Murphy in memory of her husband, Reg Murphy. Jemelle Khan, our music ministry intern, will sing the solo. News about Jemelle! He won first place in a local (St. Marys) NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition and will move on to regionals. The next Sunday (February 23) brings the month to a close. The choir will open with a spirited piece, “Praise His Holy Name” by Kevin Hampton followed by the Chancel Ensemble’s jazzy rendition of “Lord, I Want to be A Christian”. The anthem is “Hush! Somebody’s Callin’ My Name.” The Chancel Choir will be joined by the Chancel Ensemble on “Serve the Lord with Gladness”. This piece will flow right into the Doxology – You will sing it twice! Don’t miss all of this music. We are all getting a deeper meaning through singing and playing these pieces.  

If you missed Kyle Walker at the Island Concert Association this week, I’m happy to tell you that we streamed online and that the concert is posted on our website. It was pretty amazing and fit right in with our homage to Black History Month. http://www.islandconcertassociation.org 

Next week, a married couple from Poland, Duo Karolina & Iwo, violin and accordion, will awe us with their expertise on these instruments. The final concert is Mary Elizabeth Bowden, Trumpet. Looks like Taylor Swift and plays the trumpet like an angel. Come on Tuesdays at 7:00 to see these fabulous concerts or stream online.  

Worship on February 9 was not livestreamed due to subs being out of town and illness. It was unavoidable, and we are looking for others to train in case this situation reoccurs. Harlan Hambright recorded the service, so that will be posted in this newsletter so that you can see that service.  

Love & Gratitude, Rhonda 

Chancel Flowers Calendar:

Please look for the new 2025 flower sign-up list on the bulletin boards outside of the Social Hall.

Sunday, February 16

8:30 am Early Worship - Sanctuary

9:00 am Confirmation Class - Youth Suite

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Late Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 am CE Meeting - Youth Suite

5:00 pm Youth Group - Youth Suite

Monday, February 17

3:00 pm Congregational Life Qrt Meeting - Upper Room

5:00 pm Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, February 18

7:00 am Youth Devotions -Yellow Deli

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

4:00 pm Session Meeting - Upper Room

7:00 pm Island Concert - Sanctuary

Wednesday, February 19

9:00 am Hands and Heart Quilting Ministry - Music Attic

10:00 am Grief Support Group - Parlor

10:00 am Men's Bible Study - Upper Room

11:00 am Early Music Ensemble - Rhonda's Office

3:00 pm Sonshine for the Soul - John Law

3:00 pm Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

4:00 pm Kidz Crew - Veranda

5:00 pm Chancel Ringers - Sanctuary

6:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper - Social Hall

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, February 20

10:00 am Womens Bible Study - Upper Room

Friday, February 21

No Activities Planned for this Day

Christian Celebration!



We share in celebration with Scott and Madelynne Risi on the birth of their third daughter, Francis Brooks Risi, who was born on Saturday, February 8. Francis was lovingly welcomed by her big sisters, Charleston and Draper Evans, and her big brother, Colson. Welcome to the world, Francis!