Thank you to those who have returned a Stewardship pledge card for 2025! Your generosity is such a gift to our life together here at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. In just a few short months of being your pastor, I have been blown away by our gifted and dedicated staff, and by the incredible ministries and missions that take place both inside and outside the walls of SSPC! From the gift of fellowship at Wednesday night suppers and Fall & Advent Festivals, to the life-giving music and worship we enjoy each week, to the Hunger Action Team, Sparrow’s Nest, and Angel Tree mission projects—life at SSPC is a gift and a joy! And all of this is made possible thanks to your generosity and commitment to our life together!

To date, we have received 161 pledges totaling $867,229.20, which is 51% of our budget goal for next year. As the end of 2024 draws nearer, your Stewardship Committee will continue to provide regular updates regarding our progress and follow up with those who have not returned a pledge card but who we expected to hear from. We understand that life gets in the way, and the card could have easily been misplaced, but we appreciate your efforts to return your stewardship commitment as soon as you are able. In addition to your financial commitment, we also hope you will take the time to fill out your “Time and Talent” contributions to the church on the back of the card. We recognize that the stewardship of your time, energy, and resources takes many forms, and we are grateful for every contribution you can make!

If you have not participated in our Stewardship program in the past and would like to begin, you are welcome to fill out a pledge card through our website (sspres.org) or fill one out when you come to worship. Pledge cards will be available in the narthex and friendship folders in the sanctuary for the next several weeks. Thank you for your generosity!

With gratitude for our life together,

Rachel

Last week, the Chancel Choir sang an arrangement of “Gesu Bambino with Marcia Dobbin as the soloist. She is the mother of Kelly Hunter, who takes care of our babies in the nursery. Thank you to Marcia for sharing her favorite Christmas song.  

Thank you to all the staff of this church who helped the Golden Isles Community Messiah Chorus to present Handel’s Messiah on Sunday afternoon. It was standing-room only and was graciously received by the community. I saw many SSPC members out there! Participants from our church this year: Amy Bishop, Organist; Harlan Hambright, Timpani; Ed Jackson and Anne Marie Stirewalt, Trumpets; Rhonda Hambright, Soprano soloist; Chorus members Mary Jo Townsend, Lisa McNeal, Jemelle Khan, Jane Drake, Nancy Matthews, and Richard Hathaway. It’s quite the experience to sing it and to see it with nearly 90 performers on our chancel area. Thank you for all the kind words (and kind suggestions for future performances.). 

The ball is rolling and the degree of downward slant is getting steeper as we go headlong into a busy season. Here is what is coming up: On Sunday, our Chancel Ringers will be featured playing the prelude, anthem, and offertory at the 10:30am service. Our children’s choir will begin the service with “Sing a Song of Advent” by Hal Hopson. With youth ensemble members playing handbells, Iris Ellis at the piano, and Lindsay Holland playing flute, it promises to bring a smile to your face.  

Don’t forget to sign up for caroling on December 11 – two chances to go - 4:00 and 5:00 pm. A chili supper will follow in the Britt Dining Room. Must register to save a spot! 

On Sunday, December 15 the Chancel Choir will present Joseph Martin’s “A Journey to Joy.” The orchestra is filled with our regular players and members of our congregation. It’s a cantata about seeking joy in this season incorporating the Christmas Story in scripture and lots of carol singing with the congregation and orchestra. Only one service (10:30) is planned for this day.  

More in the next newsletter about “The Longest Night” service, Christmas Eve, and the last Sunday of the year. 

We ask for prayers as all the musicians prepare for this Advent and Christmas season. Many hours go into learning the music and practicing to make it accurate and beautiful. I am very thankful for all those who participate in the music ministry. Soli Deo Gloria!  

Hope, Peace, Joy, and Gratitude, 

Rhonda

Sunday, December 8

8:30 am Early Worship - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Sunday Worship - Sanctuary

6:00 pm Youth Group - Youth Suite

Monday, December 9

1:30 pm Worship and Music - Upper Room

3:00 pm Salvation Army Cooking - Kitchen

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

6:30 pm Advent Reflections - Parlor

Tuesday, December 10

7:00 am Youth Devotions - Yellow Deli

9:30 am Staff Meeting - John Law

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, December 11

9:00 am Board of Trustees - John Law

10:00 am Men's Bible Study - Upper Room

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

3:00 pm Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

4:00 pm Christmas Caroling - Front Drive

5:00 pm Christmas Caroling - Front Drive

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, December 12

9:00 am Congregational Care Team - John Law

10:00 am Womens Bible Study - Upper Room

Friday, December 13

No Activities Planned for this Day