Just yesterday, a friend and colleague commented to me, “My goodness, y’all have a lot going on at St. Simons Pres!” He’s not wrong! But the surprising thing to me about his comment was the fact that he lives all the way in Virginia and only views the happenings of SSPC through social media, the website, and an occasional newsletter! Yet, even from afar, he could sense the fullness of our life together! Yes, the pace has felt fast in the few months I’ve been here as your pastor, but the joy of it all has repeatedly stopped me in my tracks and I have found myself thanking God for the gift of SSPC, and especially for the incredible staff that make it all possible!

From Children’s Sunday to Anniversary Sunday, from Habitat for Humanity builds to hurricane relief efforts, from Stewardship videos to Instagram posts, from setups to cleanups, from Kidz Crew to Youth Group, from Wednesday Night Suppers to boat rides and Bible studies, from funeral

preparations to baptisms and bulletins, from business meetings to budgets, from prayers lists and hospital visits, to choirs and music and the gift of worship together each week—so much is, indeed, going on all the time at SSPC and none of it would be possible without the gifts, energy, generosity, creativity, hard work, and faithfulness of our staff. Please take time in the coming weeks to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the incredible staff at SSPC. They’re love for God and God’s people is palpable in their work and witness and we are extremely fortunate to have them!

With deep gratitude,

Rachel

Last Sunday was an exercise in organized chaos, a beautiful message, and strong singing. Thank you to Iris Ellis, Piano, and Ethan Tsai, Drums who supported the Children’s choirs so well. It was a pleasure to work with Ms. Frieda, youth and adult volunteers, and other staff to make this happen. Good job, parents – it’s tough to get them there. We will be singing again on December 8th, if all works out!

This Sunday, there are a lot of things happening in worship – Our Chancel Ringers will be featured again playing Passacaglia in C minor for the Prelude and The Lord Now Sends Us Forth during Communion. While Suzanne and Hal Morrison were gone on a trip for a few weeks, Amy Bishop conducted the bell choir. We are fortunate to have musicians that can wear different hats when asked. Sunday will be the result of their hard work and practice. The choir will sing Mack Wilberg’s Come, Come, Ye Saints for the Offertory. We will honor this year’s saints of our church, tolling a bell for each. The youth and children have made individual ribbons with bells on the end that will be displayed outside and inside the church. Family members are invited to take their ribbon home.  

We welcome Jemelle Khan to the Chancel Choir. He will sing bass in the choir and is our Church Music Intern. He is a ninth grader at Glynn Academy, sings in the chorus and participates in the GA Players Drama Group. Welcome, Jemelle!

On November 10th, the Chancel Choir will sing Praise! Praise! (from the Oratorio “Solomon”) by G.F. Handel. Speaking of Handel, the Messiah Chorus practices begin on November 4th in our sanctuary at 6:30 pm and continue on Mondays at the same time throughout November. The performance is on December 1 at 4:00 pm. If you are interested in singing, please let me know and I’ll get you music and more information.  

On a final note, we say goodbye to Judy Stipp as she goes to Colorado to live with her daughter. The choir and some friends honored her this past week. She was in the choir as an alto/tenor when needed, the bell choir, and our music librarian for the past few years - she got the place up to snuff so we can find our music and care for it appropriately. Thank you, Judy! We will certainly miss you. I will soon have an address and will share when I do.

I’m grateful for all of the blessings. They are everywhere you look around here!  

Love & Gratitude, 

Rhonda 

St. Simons Presbyterian seeks to fulfill the call of Christ to love one another as he has loved us. Our pastors make visits to hospitals and nursing homes and meet with people who find themselves in need of individual pastoral care. We also have members and teams who have received training to help support others in times of crisis or spiritual struggle. Our support for each other also includes times of joy, like a wedding celebration, the birth of a child, or a baptism. Through our network of relationships we call, visit, and write as we seek to show God's love to each other and to the stranger who may come into our fellowship.

Sunday, November 3

8:30 am Early Worship - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Children's Sunday Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 am Christian Education Meeting - Youth Suite

5:00 pm Youth Ensemble - Music Attic

6:00 pm Youth Group - Youth Suite

Monday, November 4

9:00 am Manna House - 1408 G Street

3:30 pm Kidz Book Club - Righton Bookstore

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, November 5

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

9:30 am Staff Meeting - John Law

10:00 am PW Leadership Council - John Law

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, November 6

10:00 am Grief Support Group -Parlor

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 KidZ Crew - Veranda

5:00 pm Chancel Ringers - Bell Room

6:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper - Social Hall

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, November 7

10:00 Women's Bible Study - Upper Room

4:00 pm Building and Grounds - John Law

5:30 pm ODD Book Group - John Law

Friday, November 8

No Activities Planned for this Day