SSPC 2-Week Newsletter - June 12, 2025

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

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Sunday Worship

Jun 8, 2025

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

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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