Dear Saints of SSPC,

As the final school bells ring and calendars fill with graduations, end-of-year parties, and summer plans, this season can feel more frenzied than festive. The pace picks up, the to-do lists grow longer, and it’s easy to find ourselves running on empty—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But even now, especially now, we are invited to hear again the gentle words of the psalmist: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Stillness isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about making room for peace, rest, and the sacred presence of God, who meets us in the middle of it all.

Since Easter, in our worship together, we’ve spent time with stories of people encountering the risen Christ—and in every story, we’re reminded that Jesus doesn’t only appear in quiet or obviously sacred moments. He meets us on the road, in the garden, around the table, and in the ordinary spaces where confusion, heartbreak, and hope all collide. In the midst of our full calendars and constant motion, I invite you to slow down just enough to notice Christ walking beside you. Even on the busiest days, he is near. Sometimes, it only takes a moment of stillness to recognize him. And isn’t that what we all need right now—a little stillness, a little hope, and the reminder that we’re never walking alone?

With gratitude for our life together,

Rachel

This is graduation week all over the country. Lots of sighs of relief, cheers, and tears of joy are emanating from students and parents alike. As the speakers all say, it’s not an ending, it’s a beginning – for a new job, for college, for graduate school, for a new life. Sunday’s scripture passage, John 21:20-25 is a directive of Jesus to pay attention to following him. Maybe for some, graduation is a beginning to renewing faith and following Jesus more closely. There can be so many distractions in this world that they draw us away from what matters most. This coming Sunday, The Chancel Choir will sing one of their favorite anthems – To Love Our God. Words are:  

Where does the wind come from? Where does it go? 

Blowing north then south, how does it know? 

The rain flows gently to the sea, yet the sea is never full. 

How can these things be? How can they be? 

Humanity works hard to make a name, toiling in the sun yet nothing gained. 

We all return to dust from whence we came. 

All is empty, all is vain.  

To love our God, the reason we live; to love our God, the highest call. 

Nothing satisfies our soul, gives life meaning, makes us whole, 

For this purpose we were made, to love our God, 

The reason that we live is to love our God.  

(text adapted from Ecclesiastes 1&12 – John Parker)

On June 1, Holy Communion will be celebrated and the choir will sing a favorite of mine – Eugene Butler’s “Go Ye Into All the World.” It’s an energetic, driving piece of music that I sang in youth choir many years ago, yet it is still relevant musically with scriptural text and very fun to sing.  

This (June 1) is the Sunday that we will change the time of worship to 10:00 and have only one service through the summer. Please make a note of it. This time will be in effect through August 31.  

On May 26, Taps at Twilight will be held at the pier area. Our Chancel Ensemble members will be playing with the Golden Isles Community Band and I am singing the National Anthem and God Bless America. The band starts playing at 5:45 and the program begins at 6:45 pm. Hope to see you there! 

Love & Gratitude, Rhonda 

Sunday, May 25

8:30 am Early Worship - Sanctuary

9:00 am Confirmation Class - Youth Suite

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Location

10:30 am Late Worship - Sanctuary

12:00 pm Memorial Service for Dorothy Russell - Sanctuary

5:00 pm Youth Beach Day - Off Campus

Monday, May 26

3:00 pm Salvation Army Cooking - Kitchen

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, May 27

9:30 am Staff Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, May 28

9:00 am Hands & Heart Quilting Ministry - Music Attic

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, May 29

No Activities Planned for This Day

Friday, May 30

No Activities Planned for This Day