SSPC Newsletter - February 29, 2024

February 29, 2024

Dear Friends,

Please continue to keep Frieda Warner and her family in your prayers as she recovers from surgery earlier this week. At last report, she was doing as well as expected. Also, please lift up the many people who will pitch in for her during her recovery, which is expected to take several months from beginning to end. Frieda will stay connected to things from a distance and when she feels up to it. In the meantime, many members and staff have graciously agreed to step up, including Ada Owens, who will oversee much of Frieda’s work on the ground. Ada has been on the inside of our Christian Education ministry as both a Communications Director and a mom and knows how things work both professionally and personally.

Other staffing changes are also in store as the Session will meet on Sunday to discuss and vote on filling the “Interim Associate Pastor” position. I will make an announcement via newsletter next week if all works out.

Otherwise, we continue through the season of Lent as we move toward the cross and empty tomb of Holy Week and Easter. Please read the rest of the newsletter for upcoming important events. A detailed schedule of Holy Week will also be published and sent next week.

Gratefully,

Steve

Musical Notes

What a great, well-attended February Festival we’ve had this year for Island Concert Association! The financial support has been what we’ve needed to cover our expenses and given us a good start for next year. Plans are already underway for next season – I’m even hearing from people that are planning their vacations around our concert schedule. A total of over 1000 people were in attendance online or in person for the entire series. If you couldn’t attend, go online to http://www.islandconcertassociation.org to watch the live stream archive. All four concerts are available for your listening and watching pleasure. Many thanks to our board of directors, patrons, sponsors, members, audience and most especially St. Simons Presbyterian Church for making this all possible. Until next year!

Thank you for your many kind words about Black History Month music. The choir had a great time and added much energy to our services. I met a couple from Rev. Troy Hauser Brydon’s church in Michigan that asked to join the choir next year during February. We are so grateful to our snowbirds and enjoy their presence in the month of February with many staying through Easter.

This Sunday brings the sacrament of Communion and a very special version of one of the congregation’s favorite hymns. We will be singing John Leavitt’s beautiful arrangement of “Here I Am, Lord.” The Chancel Choir took up a collection in February 2021 to buy this anthem in loving memory of Rev. Art Bishop, husband of Amy Bishop, our organist. There are several anthems in our music library dedicated to loved ones. If you would like to purchase an anthem, the cost is a little over $125 and in some cases a little more if there are instrumental parts. A sticker is put on each copy and indicated in the bulletin when it is sung about the dedication.

On March 10, we are attempting a completely new anthem that isn’t easy, but accessible for our Chancel Choir. “Moses” by Hyun Kook features creative dialogue between God and Moses during the turmoil of the Old Testament with a driving tempo in a blues style.

Holy Week and Easter will be here before you know it. Stay tuned for the next newsletter for information about these high holy days in the church.

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda

Happenings & Events

ON THE RADAR

MARSH MADNESS: SSPC Missions will be volunteering with KGIB multiple times throughout the month of March, beginning this Saturday, March 3, at 10am. Details and signup below.
CANNON'S POINT PRESERVE TOUR with TSN is taking place next Monday, March 4, at 9:30am. Details and signup below. All are welcome!

CLICK FOR WEDNESDAY SUPPER SIGNUP

VIEW FULL CALENDAR HERE

LENTEN SEASON

THIS SUNDAY IN LENTEN SERIES

Part 3 | March 3

You're in Charge (But You Need it in Writing)

Likely we are all very good at thinking that we are somewhat if not completely, invincible, but the truth is that we know that our lives on this earth are only temporary. Have you used good judgment to prepare the needed and appropriate documents to provide the legal necessities that you and your family will need in the event of a medical emergency, or even death? Information and guidance will be provided with regard to the recommended legal documents that should be considered by everyone as they prepare for the unknown, but inevitable, this side of heaven.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH CLASS RECORDINGS

COMING UP

HOLY LAND LIBRARY EXHIBIT

Seven new books have been added to the Holy Land collection on the top shelf of the carousel in the church library. Among the titles are: The Shortest History of Israel and Palestine, Rediscovering Israel, and My Father was a Freedom Fighter.

Come check out our collection as well as all the healthy variety of other books in the library.

CLICK FOR ALL SSPC RECURRING EVENTS

SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY

SCHOOL OF THE LAITY

Upcoming Dates: March 9-10, June 21-23
Where: Epworth by the Sea

Below you will find several upcoming opportunities through the Savannah Presbytery's School of the Laity, including a Congregational Care elective class that will be held this March. This is a great learning opportunity for everyone, but especially the Ruling Elders and Deacons of our congregation. There will also be a new Cohort, the Class of 2026, beginning this June. This is the start of a 2-year program, which includes a total of 7 courses.

CLICK FOR SOL CLASS DETAILS

CLICK FOR SOL REGISTRATION