Reading the Apostle Paul’s letters, one soon discovers the large group of helpers who accompanied him in his ministry. Chances are they were people who either volunteered or were “drafted.” So it is that volunteers are always needed and appreciated in our church’s ministry. I can remember when in other churches we were desperate for volunteers. Yet here at SSPC we have a large cadre of volunteers, allowing us to engage in numerous outreach efforts. We now need more, especially volunteers with preschool and youth. You might want to check with Frieda for preschool or Eliza for youth opportunities. Could it be that our Lord is saying to you: “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men (people)? If your talent is matched with willingness, even with some trepidation, try it. What do they say: “Try a Subaru; you’ll like it?” Oh the joy of knowing your willingness is making a difference where it counts. Can you think of a better investment?

Blessings,

Jim

This is the time to continue pondering whether you have the time and talent to give to any of our music groups here at the church. You can make a difference as an individual by being part of a group. 

FOR ADULTS: Chancel Choir – 6:45pm Wednesdays, 9:45am Sundays; Chancel Ringers (handbells) – 5:30pm Thursdays; play for worship occasionally; Chancel Ensemble (instrumental) – 3:00pm Wednesdays; play for worship occasionally; Early Music Ensemble (recorders, strings, harpsichord) – 11:00am Wednesdays; play for worship occasionally; Harp Ensemble (lap & folk harps) – TBA; play for worship and special services. 

FOR YOUTH: Youth Ensemble (various instruments & singing) 5:00pm Sundays;

FOR CHILDREN: Kidz Crew Choirs – 4:00pm Wednesday; sing for worship and special programs; KidZ Ensemble (more advanced musical experiences) 4:00pm Sundays (once a month).  

Contact me or Suzanne Morrison (bells) if you are interested. 

ADULTS: The Chancel Choir starts on August 21 at 6:45 pm. Chancel Ringers: tentatively August 15 at 5:30. Chancel Ensemble: September 4 at 3pm. Early Music Ensemble: September 11 at 11 am. YOUTH: September 8th at 5 pm. CHILDREN: August 28th at 4:00 pm, Ensemble -September 22 at 4pm.  

There can be more groups if there is an interest in a particular genre of music. We just have to find the time to meet weekly or as needed.  

Coming up! Next Sunday, Jim is going to preach about the life of King David and I will sing a Philip Kern arrangement of the spiritual “Little David, Play on Your Harp.” Amy will be on vacation, so Mark Lochstampfor will play the organ for us. On August 4th, Bud Longley and I will sing a duet arrangement of Twila Paris’ “How Beautiful.” Stay tuned to the newsletter for more musical plans. 

Love & Gratitude, 

Rhonda 

Dear Church Family:

I am so very grateful for all the prayers and unwavering support from all of you over the past 6 months!

Honestly, being diagnosed with breast cancer in January was not a total surprise. My very strong family history led me to followed by the Vanderbilt High Risk Breast Center for 12 years with appointments every 6 months. So it wasn't IF but WHEN I might be diagnosed. The great news is it was found very early and barely Stage 1. (Please everyone stay up to date with any screenings recommended for you!) I had surgery in February at Vanderbilt and then returned home just in time for Easter... and to have 12 weeks of weekly chemo at our local hospital. I finished chemo on July 5th.. YAY!

July has been my "get my energy back" month, and I do feel better every day :) I have one more surgery late August, and I am now on immunotherapy every 3 weeks until next April, BUT the toughest parts of my cancer journey are hopefully over.

My church family means the world to me, and you all have made the last months sail by. All the calls, cards and prayers warmed my heart and brightened my days :) I especially want to thank Ada Owens and Denise Hidalgo for taking on big parts of my job.. you both are awesome!

While sitting in Worship recently, I was feeling sad that I had to cancel the Worship & Art Camp which would have been last week. Every summer, our Worship & Art theme is based on one traditional hymn like Amazing Grace, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Be Thou My Vision, How Great Thou Art, etc. As we focus on the hymn, who wrote it and why, scripture used to write it, different musical versions of the song, then the kids create all kinds of amazing art. It is truly one of my favorite weeks as I witness the kids build a closer relationship with God and each other.

So, on that Sunday a couple of weeks ago, I was sad... BUT the closing hymn of Worship was a real toe tapping old time favorite. We cheerfully sang wholeheartedly:

"Standing on the promises of Christ, my King, Through eternal ages let his praises ring; Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing, Standing on the promises of God."

That's it! I will use Standing on the Promises of God as my KidZ Crew theme, and we can have Worship & Art camp all year. So I dug a little deeper, and do you know why the author (Russell Kelso Carter) wrote this song? He suffered a "health crisis" at age 30, and his doctors said there was nothing more they could do, Carter turned to God for comfort and healing, and ended up living 49 more years! Standing on the Promises is his testimony of the faithfulness of God. And that's what I call a God wink ;)

I hope your children and grandchildren will join us on Wednesdays this year as we explore more about Standing on the Promises of God.

I love you all,

Ms. Frieda

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

The church’s front drive-thru, parking along Ashantilly and the left rear parking lot (where the dumpsters are located will be closed for three to four weeks starting on Monday, July 22nd. 

These lots are going to modified for better drainage, bulging tree roots will be removed, and then repaved. A new concrete dumpster pad will also be installed. The dumpsters will be relocated temporarily to the parking lot beside the kitchen entrance. 

• When possible, consider carpooling with church family!
• Handicap parking will be available in the kitchen parking lot, on the Ashantilly side of the church.

Sunday, July 28

9:00 am Combined Sunday School - Social Hall

10:00 am Worship Service - Sanctuary

Monday, July 29

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, July 30

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, July 31

6:00 pm Board Games and Pasta Bar - Social Hall

Thursday, August 1

6:30 pm Youth Summer Fun Night - Neptune Park



Friday, August 2

No Activities Planned for This Day

Christian Celebration

We share in celebration with Meg and Tyler Mimbs on the birth of their daughter, Sally Michelle Mimbs, who was born on Monday, July 22. Sally was lovingly welcomed by her grandparents, Michael and Julie Johnson; her great-grandmother, Sally Baldwin; and her many new friends and family! Welcome to the world, Sally!