SSPC Weekly Newsletter - January 22, 2026

January 22, 2026

EXCITING NEWS!

We are excited to welcome Dara Pickren-Davis as our new Director of Children and Family Ministry, beginning February 5!

Dara brings nearly two decades of experience in church ministry, serving congregations across coastal Georgia and northeast Florida. She has a deep love for children, families, and creative ministry, with a special passion for formative experiences like Vacation Bible School, Fall Festivals, and Christmas celebrations.

With a background in music, theatre, and education, Dara has spent years nurturing young people—from toddlers to college students—both in church and classroom settings. Her ministry is grounded in faith, creativity, and grace, reflected in her favorite verse, Ephesians 2:8: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God.”

Dara and her husband, Howard, have been married for 22 years and have three children—Hall, Ella, and Allie. As a family, they love to travel and explore, and Dara especially enjoys photography and adventure.

We are grateful for the gifts Dara brings and look forward to the joy, energy, and care she will share with our children and families. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome to our church family!

Happenings & Updates

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congregational Meeting Announcement:

We will hold a Congregational Meeting immediately following the 10:30 AM worship service on February 1, 2026. The purpose of this meeting is for the Congregation to formally vote on the Terms of Call for the Pastors and review the budget for the coming fiscal year.

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Chancel Flowers Calendar:

Please take a moment to look for the new 2026 chancel flower sign-up list on the bulletin boards by the Social Hall. This is a wonderful way to help beautify our worship space and to honor or remember loved ones throughout the year. Thank you for helping make our sanctuary a welcoming place for all.

THIS SUNDAY

This Table Is For You: An Invitation

There are many things about my work here that I greatly enjoy, but none greater than teaching the new members’ class. Why is that so? Well, I’ve always loved seeing things grow. I remember taking an Irish potato, sticking toothpicks in the sides to hold it halfway into a glass of water. Give it a week or two and—wow—a pretty vine to place in the kitchen window. This time of year, when it seems that so many trees and plants are lifeless, I watch my green collards grow.

So you won’t be surprised that I take joy in watching people grow. And growth is what takes place when persons explore the rich soil and water of God’s nurturing Spirit. Hopefully, these classes stimulate mental growth, but more importantly, spiritual growth—growth in the knowledge of our Lord and our Christian faith.

I’m not promising any kind of magic, and I’m certainly not suggesting that we Presbyterians are the only children God’s got. Yet, we are a people worth joining. Our history, beliefs, and church government are worthy companions to a growing and shared faith in Jesus Christ. I invite you to join us in exploring the possibilities of your taking root here. Both prospective members as well as current ones are welcome.

Plans call for our meeting on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on January 25, then February 1 and 8. Enter the Ashantilly side door, and someone will greet you, offer you coffee and donuts, and direct you to the meeting place. Those who wish to join the church will be received in the 10:30 service on Sunday, February 15.

Jim Jackson

HAPPENINGS

CLICK TO RSVP FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER!

TRY SOMETHING NEW

MISSIONS

MUSIC

KIDZ & YOUTH

SAVANNAH PRESBYTERY

CLICK TO VIEW ALL EVENTS

Sunday Worship

January 18, 2025

SERMON SERIES

CURRENT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

SIGNUP FOR SS EMAIL UPDATES HERE

The Week Ahead

Sunday, January 25

8:30 am Early Worship - Sanctuary

9:00 am New Member Class - Youth Suite

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Late Worship - Sanctuary

Monday, January 26

2:00 pm Mahjong Group - Library

3:00 pm Salvation Army Cooking - Kitchen

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, January 27

7:00 am Youth Devotions - SSI Chick-fil-A

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

Wednesday, January 28

10:00 am Early Music Ensemble - Rhonda's Office

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

3:00 pm Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

4:00 pm KidZ Crew - Veranda

5:00 pm Chancel Bells - Bell Room

6:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper - Social Hall

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, January 29

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

Friday, January 30

6:00 pm PJ Party - Youth Suite

VIEW FULL CALENDAR HERE

Joys & Concerns

As of January 2, 2026

Joys

We celebrate with Graham Holland, Liam Holland and Chase Busby on making the Middle School All District Honors Band!

Congrats, guys!

Sorrows

Charlie Clark Watkins (Brad Watkins' Father)*
Father Liam Collins (Formerly served St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Brunswick)*
Barbara Meadows (Passed away on January 13. A service will be held at 2 pm on Friday, January 16, at SSI UMC)*
Rita Mullis (Tyler Mimbs Grandmother; Passed away on January 10)*
Leon Jorgensen (Passed away on January 8 in Mt. Pleasant)*
Derek Fowler (Passed away on January 10)*
Laurie Ford Nord (Half-sister of Anne Nermoe; Passed away on January 8)*

*Family and Friends of the Church

Members