Dear Friends, 

Next week, the new Elders and Deacons you elected at the congregational meeting in February will begin their training. For four weeks, they will gather in the upper room and learn more about the ways of St. Simons Presbyterian and Presbyterians as a whole. Please keep them (and all officers) in prayer as they go through this training and "on-the-job training" during their three-year term. 

Unlike almost every other denomination, members called to serve as elders or Deacons are ordained just like ministers called to serve as pastors. While there are large differences in preparation for the "office" and expectations, the ordination is the same. Deacons are ordained to serve and care for others; elders to rule (manage/administer) and serve, and ministers to teach, preach, administer, and serve.

Please pray for all the officers and staff that we may serve you with "energy, intelligence, imagination, and love," as one of the ordination questions asks.

Also, remember that as Presbyterians, we confess that all the members are called to be "ministers." In other words, there is no hierarchy of power, only differences in gifts and service.

So, from one minister to another, I pray we will all continue to grow in our journey of faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ's name. 

Grateful as always, 

Steve

Evidenced by the crowds that attended Holy Week services, our community and church loves our traditional events. It was inspiring and meaningful on all levels. Thank you to those many minds and hands that made it possible for this important journey to the cross.

After so many pieces of music and notes played and sung, there’s more to come! This Sunday, the choir will sing one of their favorites, Ken Medema’s “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying.” The next Sunday brings both services presented by our youth (6th-12th grades). Although still in development, it looks like we will end up with a string quartet! Lily Roberts on viola, Sawyer Neill on cello, Jason Cherne will be here for support on first violin, and I’ll play second violin. Brayden Neill will play the prelude on piano, MacKenzie Bishop will sing a solo, and Ethan Tsai on percussion. There are a couple more instrumentalists who are undecided at the writing of this column, but we will know soon! It’s just great to know that so many are interested in music and want to share those gifts with the church. Please come and support the youth on April 21 by attending one or both services.

A few days later, the children of our church will present a showcase of talent and things that they have learned during the Wednesday programming. Make sure your child attends rehearsals before that. Ms. Frieda’s newsletter is a very important source for the schedule. Check it out elsewhere in this newsletter.  

Blessings, Love, & Gratitude,

Rhonda

Sunday, April 14

8:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

1:30 pm Youth Ropes Course, Dinner, & Rehearsal - various location

Monday, April 15

4:00 pm New Officer Training - Upper Room

5:30 pm Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, April 16

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

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

4:00 pm Session Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, April 17

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 Sonshine for the Soul - John Law

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, April 18

10:00 am Ladies Bible Study - Upper Room

5:30 pm Chancel Ringers - Bell Room

Friday, April 19

No Activities Planned for This Day

PRAYER CORNER

Celebration

We share in celebration with Taylor and Kelsi Brooks on the birth of their son, Rowen Russell Brooks, who joined us in this world on Friday, March 29. Rowen was lovingly welcomed by his big sisters, Abiney and Estes.