SSPC Newsletter - January 5, 2024

January 5, 2024

Dear friends,

Rounding the corner of Christmas/New Year gives me an opportunity to thank all who did so much here at the church house to make things happen. I won't mention names for fear of leaving someone out, but most of them know who they are, and those who did it certainly do. It is an honor to serve with them in the ministry and mission of this fine church as they serve joyfully and "funfully."

Looking forward, we are planning through the winter/spring Lenten and Easter seasons to maintain the high level of community, education, mission, worship, and music events we provide historically. One event we are only indirectly connected to is through my friend and retired Presbyterian Pastor Tom Walker (who is a thousand times smarter than I am about the Bible), along with Rabbi Rachel Bregman, you will find advertised below. It's about finding the roots of hope in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. I can think of nothing more needed in our time of war between Israel and Hamas, Ukraine and Russia, and American citizens against each other as we begin, yet again, another dark election cycle. My hope and prayer is that SSPC can be a sane and moderating voice of hope, truth, and faith as we go through this together instead of getting caught up in the pathology of name-calling. Callousness and combat politics seem to be an epidemic these days. Let's show St Simons what it means to be followers of Christ who may not always agree but stay together.

Finally, please keep the Pastor Nominating Committee in your prayers. While they continue to work prayerfully and diligently to discern God's call for your next Pastor, this ALWAYS takes more time than we want or expect. Please don't get too discouraged looking at my mug most Sundays as you wait for your Pastor.

God bless and Happy New Year,

Steve

Musical Notes

Happy New Year! With the date of the last day of the year as 12/31/23 or 123123, many people were calling it waltz day. So, here we go waltzing into the new year, hoping not to misstep or get off on the wrong foot. I’d like to start this year by thanking again all those that make music for our worship services. From the tiniest to the oldest, we were able to bring our gifts to God in such a way that inspired many. A good group of singers showed up at choir practice on Wednesday night, for which I am always grateful. The Chancel Choir will sing Judy Hunnicutt’s “This Do in Remembrance of Me” for Sunday’s Communion Service. They will begin the service with “Sing a New Song Unto the Lord” from our hymnal #276. The new year, for some, is beginning again. Start by singing a new song!

Our snowbirds are beginning to fly back – John Sergey is here from Philadelphia, and Richard Boettcher is on his way from Ohio. The bass section is happy to welcome them back. If you sing and you sing tenor or bass, we would love to welcome you to the choir. Let me know if you are interested in joining us. Sopranos and altos are welcome as well; we just have more of a need for tenors and basses. It’s a big commitment, but if we have more in each section, there’s not so much pressure for everyone to be there every week. It’s a choir director’s dream for everyone to be there, but not always possible because of – well – life…. Please contact me to discuss your membership in this fun group.

Other music groups will begin again through the month – Chancel Ensemble – 1/10 – 3:00 pm; Chancel Ringers – 1/11 – 5:30 pm; Early Music Ensemble - 1/17 – 11:00 am; Harp Ensemble – TBA; Children - 1/31 – 4:00 pm; Youth Ensemble – 2/4 – 5:00 pm.

Join us in making joyful noises to the Lord each week (some noisier than others!).

Love & Gratitude,

Rhonda

Happenings & Events

2024 STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

As of today, December 22, 2023, we have received

206 Pledges totaling $1,141,254 which is 76% of the 2024 Budget of $1,500,000.

Thank you to everyone who has pledged to support our church for the upcoming year. In case you haven't had the chance, please review the 2024 Ministry Report attached below. This report provides a detailed account of our spending, which we hope you'll consider prayerfully as you contemplate your pledge to our church.

2024 MINISTRY INVESTMENT REPORT

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE FOR 2024 HERE

MISSIONS & OUTREACH

This year has been one where I look back and am filled with JOY. SSPC truly embodies being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. We have grown two new ministries of outreach, and we had over 100 willing workers for the fall Day of Service. More Angels on the trees than ever before! Blown away by the church's willingness to hold hands, serve together, and share the love of God.

-Madelynne Risi

CLICK FOR REFLECTIONS FROM 2023

JANUARY MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF MISSION & OUTREACH OPPORTUNITIES

LIBRARY EXHIBIT

The congregational life library team announces a new library exhibit: The Holy Land - Then and Now. The carousel in the library features books describing history of the Holy Land and the relations between Jews and Arabs. The books may be checked out for two weeks.