August 21, 2025

Dear Church Family,

Where to begin? In the fall of 1992 (yes, that’s 33 years ago!), I walked into the Social Hall of SSPC for the first time. I was there to observe the preschoolers to see if I wanted to be a teacher… needless to say, I fell in love with this church. And so, my career at SSPC began in 1993 with eight bright-eyed two-year-olds. Little did I know then that I would spend more than half my life working at SSPC!

Recently, I came across a sermon by Fred Craddock based on Romans 11:36 and titled Doxology. He reminds us that the literal meaning of doxology is “word of praise.” His sermon explores the idea of doxology as a companion or friend who would be welcome in situations such as a family supper table or perhaps a vacation. Yes, it is easy to have doxology along on joyful occasions. However, he realized it was a mistake to “lock doxology in the car” when he visited a terminally ill member of his church. It even took the death of his brother to make him recognize that doxology belongs in every part of life and all along the journey… through every joy, sorrow, blessing, or challenge… all the praise and glory to God!

I thank Fred Craddock for giving me the words to say to my church family. I have spent the last few months reflecting and praying about my career at SSPC and have decided it is time for me to retire. I am forever grateful—and somewhat amazed—that I got paid to do what I love for so many years!

For three decades, my home life and my work life have been woven together where it is hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. The people of this church helped me raise my own three children alongside the hundreds of other children who attended the programs of SSPC through the years. The blessings and joys were so many! We celebrated baptisms, confirmations, Youth Sundays, Children’s Sundays, and weddings. Every year our church calendar was filled with VBS weeks, mission trips, camps, and countless church events.

The path was not always smooth. We as a church family lived through the horrific 9/11 tragedy and a worldwide pandemic, as well as the challenge of two major renovations of the church and two senior pastor searches/transitions. Personally, I felt overwhelming support and love through my divorce; the passing of my dad, my mom, and my ex-husband; and then my recent cancer surgery and treatment.

So, where does doxology fit in? Everywhere! Through the many years, I have truly felt the people of this church give God glory and praise in all things… it makes SSPC a very special place. Doxology has certainly been in every part of my life and work here. I look back and realize I was no more along my journey with Jesus than the bright-eyed two-year-olds in my first class. I treasure ALL of you (staff, children, youth, adults, and even some saints) as part of my faith formation… what a blessing to walk alongside the folks of SSPC as we learn, grow, and pray together! And all the while, doxology has been part of every smile, tear, laugh, worry, and challenge this community of faith has shared.

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

I encourage you to invite doxology along as I retire and someone new finds their way to SSPC. I am certain that God has the right person to lead Children’s Ministry… maybe another 29-year-old will wander into the Social Hall ready to spend the next 33 years sharing Jesus with the children. No matter who, I know they will make great memories together. And I will sit and watch from the pew with you… and smile.

Peace to you all,

Frieda Warner

A Note from Rev. Rhodes

Dear Saints of SSPC,

With hearts full of gratitude, we give thanks to God for the extraordinary ministry of Frieda Warner, who has served this church family with devotion and joy for more than three decades. As you have read in her heartfelt letter, Frieda has discerned that this is the right season for her to step into retirement. Her last Sunday with us on staff will be December 7, 2025.

As we reflect on Frieda’s ministry, we cannot help but think of the Doxology she so beautifully referenced. For thirty-three years, Frieda has led us in praise—sometimes with laughter, sometimes with tears, always with steadfast love for Christ and for this community. Through baptisms, Advent and Lenten festivals, Sunday school classes, Youth Sundays, Vacation Bible Schools, and countless other moments, Frieda has reminded us that “from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.”

While there is certainly grief in saying farewell to a leader who has shaped our life together so deeply, we trust that the same God who called Frieda here in 1992 will continue to guide us now. The Personnel Committee is already at work discerning next steps to ensure that our ministries with children and families remain vibrant and strong. We are confident that God is preparing the right person to carry this work forward, even as we prepare to celebrate all that Frieda has given.

Between now and December 7, there will be many opportunities to express our gratitude to Frieda. We hope you will join us in giving thanks for her faithful service and in surrounding her with love and blessing as she transitions into this new chapter of life.

Let us keep singing the Doxology together—in thanksgiving for Frieda’s ministry, in trust for God’s future, and in praise to the One “from whom all blessings flow.”

With gratitude for our life together,

Rachel

Worship & Music

I have kept most of our weekly bulletins dating back to when I started serving here in 2008. Bluegrass Sunday began in 2011, so each year in August for 14 years we’ve been toe-tapping, clapping hands, and singing “I’ll Fly Away,” among other standards. This tradition would never have been possible without the original band members: Harlan Hambright, Bud Longley, Ann Nermoe, and Rick Ray. Thank you to those who have been faithful through the years and helped this tradition continue and spread to other churches.

Variety and energy in music are important for the performer, the listener, and especially the worshipper. We all have different ways of expressing ourselves musically and different tastes. That diversity matters when providing music for God’s children around the world. I believe it helps us stand in another’s shoes by singing and/or playing their music. In a way, it is one way we love our neighbor. A mission statement I placed on our website for the music ministry reads:

The music ministry celebrates our faith through the joy of music. We are guided by the belief that music enhances, reinforces, and points to the spoken Word and Sacrament in the Reformed Tradition. A variety of styles of music are presented with energy and authenticity, with a strong traditional base. Through rehearsals, activities, and worship services we experience Christian fellowship and connection to our God.

The choir resumes practice this week and will be back in the loft on Sunday, August 24. We will sing a close-harmony arrangement of How Great Thou Art by Doug Andrews. The following Sunday we’ll sing Martin Shaw’s With a Voice of Singing—a wonderful standard to begin the choir season.

At one point, someone announced from the lectern that they weren’t in choir because of “all the practices.” In reality, we rehearse only on Wednesdays after supper and just before worship, plus one additional rehearsal for the Christmas Cantata. These practices—if you love to sing—are not boring; they are fast-moving, fun, and full of fellowship. And our parties are even better! Yes, it is a commitment, but there is flexibility, with time off when you need it and most of the summer off. So consider joining us—you’ll be glad you did. Call me and we can talk about it. The same goes for any of the music groups: bluegrass, brass, woodwinds, harps, recorders, and strings.

Thank you for your kind words through cards and emails. They bring smiles to those who serve!

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda

Happenings & Updates

ANNOUNCEMENT

Church Office Closed on Thursday, August 21

The church office will be closed on Thursday, August 21 as our staff participates in the annual staff retreat.

If you need pastoral care during this time—or for any after-hours or weekend emergencies—please call the church office at 912-638-2220 and select Option 8 to leave a message for the pastor on call. Our Pastors are committed to providing compassionate, grace-filled care.

Email: pastoralcare@sspres.org

Phone: 912-638-2220 (Option 8)

HAPPENINGS

TRY SOMETHING NEW

KIDZ CREW & YOUTH

MISSIONS

Wow! This fall is already shaping up to be a busy and meaningful season, with so many ways to plug in and serve one another and our community.

We are invited to celebrate Sparrows Nest’s 30 years of ministry in our community. If you’d like to attend the dinner and sit together as an SSPC family—please signup below!

Our Day of Service is coming up, and we hope to have the largest group of Presbyterians yet sign up and participate. This is a wonderful opportunity for all ages and generations to serve side by side, living out what we are called to do.

Finally, we’re heading to the mountains of North Carolina for a Mission Trip with the Savannah Presbytery to help rebuild homes in Spruce Pine after Hurricane Helene. We’ll hammer and sweat, share meals, and enjoy fellowship together as we partner with PDA.

If any (or all!) of these opportunities sound exciting to you, please reach out—I’d love to talk with you!

Madelynne Risi

Director of SSPC Missions

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Sunday Worship

August 17, 2025

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Coming Soon...

New Sermon Series

Beginning September 14

Drawing inspiration from the hymn "Let Us Build a House," this sermon series guides us to reflect on the role of the church as a welcoming community where all are invited to be transformed and reconciled in Jesus Christ. It calls the church to build a house not of bricks and mortar, but of relationships that are grounded in Christ, where all people are invited to experience the love, justice, and grace of God. Each sermon will explore key aspects of the church’s calling and mission as we seek to build a life together where God's love and welcome are extended to all.