June 12, 2025

Dear Saints of SSPC,


This past week has been one of those rare and holy gifts in ministry—a week when the fullness of church life was on full display. It began on Sunday as we gathered for Pentecost worship, and I don’t know how else to say it—the Spirit was moving among us. The music, the prayers, the Word—it all felt especially alive, as if the ground beneath us were holy ground.


We had the joy (and a bit of chaos!) of Vacation Bible School filling the halls with laughter, curiosity, and wonder. It takes a village to pull off a week like that, and I’m so deeply grateful for the many volunteers who gave their time, their energy, and their hearts to make it happen. From decorating to storytelling, from lunch prep to leading songs—every bit of it was a ministry of love, and our children felt it.


In the very same week, I had the honor of presiding over a burial at sea—a sacred, solemn act that connected us to the ancient rhythms of life and death, land and water, grief and gratitude. And woven through it all were pastoral conversations: one-on-one moments with people navigating real questions, real burdens, and real glimpses of grace.


Weeks like this remind me why I love being a pastor. They’re a beautiful tangle of joy and sorrow, noise and stillness, planning and surprise. They remind me that God meets us not just in the extraordinary, but also in the ordinary flow of ministry—at craft tables and communion tables, in oceanside prayers and sanctuary pews. And in all of it, I feel honored to walk with you, to witness what God is doing among us, and to keep showing up—heart open, hands ready—for whatever comes next. What a joy it is to share in ministry alongside each of you!


With gratitude for our life together,

Rachel

Happenings & Updates

PASTOR VACATION DATES

Rev. Rachel Rhodes

Out of Office: June 13-28

Out of Office: June 30 - July 6


Rev. Jim Jackson

Out of Office: June 19-21


Pastor Laurie Bentley

Out of Office: June 23-28

HAPPENINGS

YOUTH & MISSIONS

Sunday Worship

Jun 8, 2025

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The Weeks Ahead

Sunday, June 15

9:00 am Sunday School - Upper Room

10:00 am Combined Worship - Sanctuary

12:00 pm Blue Skies Missions (Youth) - Meet at SSPC


Monday, June 16

5:00 pm Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law


Tuesday, June 17

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

4:00 pm Session Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law


Wednesday, June 18

10:00 am Grief Support Group - Parlor

3:00 pm Sonshine for the Soul - John Law

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary


Thursday, June 19

10:00 am Youth Bible Study - Chick-fil-A SSI


Friday, June 20

No Activities Planned for This Day


Sunday, June 22

All Day BRIDGE Missions - Various Locations

9:00 am Sunday School - Upper Room

10:00 am Combined Worship - Sanctuary


Monday, June 23

All Day BRIDGE Missions - Various Locations

3:00 pm Salvation Army Cooking - Kitchen

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law


Tuesday, June 24

All Day BRIDGE Missions - Various Locations

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law


Wednesday, June 25

All Day BRIDGE Missions - Various Locations

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

9:00 am Trustee Meeting - Upper Room

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary


Thursday, June 26

All Day BRIDGE Missions - Various Locations

9:00 am Congregational Care Team - John Law


Friday, June 27

All Day BRIDGE Missions - Various Locations

Joys & Concerns


Last Updated on June 4, 2025


Joys!


  • Birth of James Morrow Hodgdon on May 8th; son of Ryan and Anna Hodgdon, grandson of Matt and Teresa Hodgdon
  • Marriage of Miranda Williams and Grant Thomas


Sorrows


  • Marcia Dobbin (Passed away on May 30, 2025. A Memorial Service will be held in the sanctuary on Friday, June 5 at 2:30pm)
  • Dick Estes (Passed away on January 2, 2025. A burial at sea is planned for June 11, 2025)
  • Joyce Shelander (Passed away on June 1, 2025. Step-Mom of BB Shelander & Step-Grandmom of Mac and Mary Banks Shelander. Memorial service at 2pm, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church)
  • Brother-in-law of Brenda Dohn
  • Jason Brown (Passed away on May 27)


Members


  • Anne Caswell
  • Albert Fendig
  • Kathleen Haller
  • Harlan Hambright
  • Jack Hartman
  • Peggy Hatcher
  • Linda Johnston
  • Bud Longley
  • Frances McCrary
  • Ann Nermoe
  • George Plotner
  • Gene Ramba
  • Marsha Risi
  • Jerry Spencer  


Family & Friends


  • Evan Beard
  • John Bliven
  • Phyllis Green
  • Betty Jane Hunt
  • Karen Keen
  • Mari
  • Judy Meister
  • Vic & Bette Petralia
  • Matt Pigman
  • Gerry Webb
  • Will Young 
  • Those who are grieving
  • Those who are homeless


Long-Term Care


  • Mother of Chris Busby
  • Caroline Plyler
  • Scott Smith

Looking Back

PW GATHERING!

Communications

THROUGH TEXTS

NEWSLETTER SIGNUPS

Giving & More

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