Dear friends, 

Please pray for our Elders and staff as we gather at the church this Saturday for a deep dive into SSPC's mission, vision, and values. Building on the great work of the search committee's "Congregational Self Study," prepared at the end of 2022, we hope to develop a more "pared" mission statement that clearly points to our purpose and can be remembered by all. 

Hopefully, after clarifying our mission and purpose, the next goal is to renovate (a little) the organizational chart for officers and staff to better conform to the mission and needs of this good church going forward. Having had some experience in this process in three other churches, I've humbly come to believe that helping SSPC through this is one reason I am here as your interim. 

That said, like each of us, every church is different, and I intend to honor your "character" by facilitating more than directing. Our outcome will not take us in a different direction in terms of who we are but more clearly define "who we are" as we answer "why" we are as a provisional representation of the body of Christ here on SSI.  

So, please lift us in your prayers through Saturday. In fact, everyday if you can remember. 

In Christ,

Steve

Session has called for a congregational meeting for this Sunday, February 4th, at the end of the 10:30 am worship service. The purpose of the meeting will be to elect new church officers, elect the 2024 nominating committee, and approve pastor terms of call. Names of nominees can be found on the church website using the link below.

Last February, the musical emphasis was on Black History Month. The choir and congregation sang both rousing and moving spirituals and gospel anthems to “walk in the shoes of others.” It’s important to experience what others feel so that we can have greater understanding. That greater understanding leads to peace, the peace that passes understanding. We need all we can get nowadays. Let’s do it again! We will open with a Praise Song – “He has Done Marvelous Things.” The Chancel Choir’s offertory anthem will be “Ain’t Got Time to Die (Ain-a that Good News?)” - traditional spirituals arranged by Philip Kern. Get ready to clap hands, stomp feet, and shout! The next week brings a driving rhythmic anthem about Elijah – “Elijah Rock” arranged by Roger Emerson. Liturgically, we will be emphasizing the Transfiguration of Jesus.  

We are standing at the beginning of February – wasn’t it just Christmas a minute ago? That was fast! Holy Week and Easter are coming up soon, so keep your eyes open for information about the journey that is planned for us.  

February Festival also begins next Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 pm. Ben Thomas, Tenor and Tyler Walker, Pianist and Organist will perform classical and folk pieces. If you haven’t joined the Island Concert Association, you can join online at http://www.islandconcertassociation.org or pick up a brochure on any tables near the entrances of the church or see me! We need memberships to support the fantastic talent that comes from all over the world to perform for us! The concerts are 60-70 minutes long with no intermission and a light reception to meet the artists afterward. Invite friends and neighbors.  

Volunteers are needed to help on Wednesday afternoons. If you would like to help me in the Music Attic or Frieda with activities, please let us know. You can sign up for specific dates – many hands make light work, remember! It’s a joy to see these bright children learning how to sing about God and learning the stories and teachings of Jesus.  

Love & Gratitude, 

Rhonda 

• FEBRUARY ISLAND CONCERT SERIES kicks off in the Sanctuary at 7PM next Tuesday, February 6, with Ben Thomas (Tenor) and Tyler Walker (Piano/Organ). This is a free community event! All are welcome!
• WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPERS are back in full swing! Please don't forget to RSVP every week by 4PM on Monday. Link below.
• Speaking of our weekly suppers, the wonderful Nat Scott could always use help from VOLUNTEERS EVERY WEDNESDAY at the register and with cleanup. If you're available, please contact Nat at nat@sspres.org or give him a call at (912) 230-6340.

Sunday, February 4

8:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

Youth Schedule

• 5-6 pm 6-7th Graders - Youth Suite
• 6-6:30 pm Dinner for all Ages - Britt Room
• 6:30-7:45 pm 8-12th Graders - Youth Suite

Monday, February 5

9:00 am Manna House - 1408 G Street

3:00 pm Congregational Life Meeting - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, February 6

7:00 am Youth Breakfast Devotion - SSI Chick-Fil-A

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

10:00 am PW Leadership Council - John Law

4:30 pm Mission Committee - John Law

7:00 pm Community Island Concert - Sanctuary

Wednesday, February 7

10:00 am Grief Support Group - Parlor

10:00 am Mens Bible Study - Upper Room

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

1:00 pm Hands and Heart Quilting Ministry - Music Attic

3:00 pm Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

4:00 pm KidZ Crew - Veranda

6:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper - Social Hall

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, February 8

10:00 am Pastoral Care Coordinating Team - John Law

10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room

4:00 pm Buildings and Grounds Committee - John Law

10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room

5:30 pm Chancel Ringers - Bell Room

Friday, February 9

No Activities Planned for this Day

The Hunger Action Team begins their school year support of Glynn County grammar and middle schools with a box of healthy snacks and note reminding them of the help we provide and contact information. We also contracted with Christ Church again to pack 30 backpack inserts for us to deliver to Burroughs Molette each week.

You can help too by linking your Harris Teeter VIC card to a school at the service counter or harristeeter.com/community. Choose from Altama, Golden Isles, Goodyear, Glynn Middle, Oglethorpe or St Simons, When you purchase Harris Teeter Brand products, a % of your purchase total goes back to your school.